Vans Team Double Podiums at Europe X Games 2012!

Vans Team Riders Iouri "IPod" Podladtchikov and Eric Willett both claimed podium spots at the Europe X Games 2012 in Tignes, France. Iouri wrapped up the best season of his life with a Bronze medal in Superpipe to add to this year’s collection, which includes a Silver medal at the X Games in Aspen, CO, a TTR World Tour Halfpipe Championship, the Burton Global Open Series Title and a 1st, 2nd and 3rd at The Winter Dew Tour stops. Willett also finished his season strong with a Bronze medal in Slopestyle to go along with his first place at The Winter Dew Tour in Killington, VT and second place at the O'Neill Evolution Big Air in Davos, Switzerland. Both riders were determined to finish the competition season on a high note and ended up with X Games medals for their efforts.



In the Superpipe Finals, Iouri went head to head with Shaun White and Louie Vito for the top spots once again. The three riders have faced each other at only three events that Shaun has elected to compete this season. His presence at a contest makes everyone step it up, and Europe X Games was no exception. Although Iouri didn’t put down a run with three doubles, as he has previously, his first run was strong enough to hold on for the Bronze and he was all smiles as the stressful season came to a close.



In Slopestyle, “Third Run Willett” just had to make it dramatic, waiting until his last chance to put something down. His fist two runs were marred by falls, including a nasty slam on the second run coming up about 10 feet short on the second booter. But Willett rallied in his third and final try, and stomped a solid run of Cab 9, Front 1080 Double Cork to Backside 1080 Double Cork with some rails mixed in at the top and bottom. He ended up on the podium with Mark McMorris and Shaun White, who claimed the gold medal in both events.

"I had a pretty crazy day and took a couple hard slams," said Willett. "But I was glad I was able to pull it off on my final run and keep my podium streak going at Euro X Games."

Congratulations to both Iouri and Eric for their wins at Europe X Games and on an amazing season filled with highlights. For more photos from the event, check out the links to our photo sets on vanssnow.tumblr.com below:


Shots from around the X Games and Vans Waffle Party at APO.


Backcountry Powder Mission with William Hughes from Dragon Lodge and L.E.D. Surfer Fame.



Action shots from Superpipe Finals with Iouri, Shaun, Louie, etc...



Shots from Superpipe Podium.



Shots from Slopestyle Finals with Eric Willett.

Words and photos: Larry Nuñez