A handful of winner’s rings for Semenuk as he returns to competition at the top for win number five.

Photos: Laurence Crossman-Emms

Everytime you see Semenuk compete it’s like watching the reformation of a great band after years away from touring, there’s an equal chance he could pull something special out of the bag or implode entirely. Yesterday he did the former with gusto.

As impressive as video parts are, there’s no escaping that events like the Joyride are the ultimate slopestyle test – no re-takes, no editing tricks and no waiting for the conditions. Semenuk rose to the challenge in the most difficult conditions, first down the hill, his score was pretty much untroubled all day. While Rogatkin and Rheeder have been sharing the Crankworx spoils all year they both failed to put down a full run in Whistler.

Second place went to young Swede Emil Johansson, if he hasn’t already had his breakthrough ride, this was it. Finally, Ryan Nyquist bagged third – 37 years old and no sign of slowing down.

In truth, it wasn’t a vintage Joyride, windy conditions kept everyone’s scores below 90, but the history books will show that once again it was the Semenuk show.