One of the more so-called grown-ups in Friday’s finals was Mike Montgomery, a 26-year-old who still feels on top of his game. His second run of the evening put him in second place behind Barrett-Hay.
Montgomery commended the Mountain Games course this year. He said the features were amazing and it was a true slopestyle course because it offered riders multiple lines.
“You can be creative and let your personality show through your riding,” Montgomery said.
As for his age, he knows the ground isn’t getting any softer as he gets older, but he’s staying fit and hoping it won’t matter.
Older guys have more muscle, finesse and experience, he said, adding that he thinks the peak riding age is probably 22 to 28.
Barrett-Hay is perhaps a little ahead of his game, picking up his first major win and first podium ever in a major competition Friday.
“I love the dude — he kills it, for sure,” Montgomery said. “I was so pumped for him when he put down that run.”
—Lauren Glendenning is the Assistant Managing Editor at the Vail Daily. Photos © Sean McCoy.
