Violence expresses itself in countless ways. When it comes to blading, and this year’s rail contest in Montpellier in particular, two specific forms of violence come to mind.
Words: Freddy White
Photography: Dominik Wagner
Video: Salim Sikha
There is the mindless violence that certain individuals feel entitled to express physically, and force upon their peers. Throwing punches and starting fights, knocking people out without any warning and getting massively maced in return, throwing glass bottles at security guards while securely walking away from the mess they have just created… As a reflection of the mess they carry inside.
On the other hand, one could see self destruction as an artform, self imposed violence as a positive outlet to your negative energy. Throwing yourself at steep rails, racking said rail or bailing hard in the stairs, kocking yourself inconscious and getting stitches on your skull: blading sounds like the perfect way to express your inner violence, while actually providing an interesting performance for others to watch, and a direct source of satisfaction for everyone… Including yourself.
The way you choose is all up to you.
But when it comes to Montpellier’s rail contest, which took place on the FISE site right after the slopestyle pro finals, organizers Salim Sikha and Jon Matter would have preferred the second option. Thankfully, despite the riot-like scene which ended the session on the first spot, that is what most bladers did, putting on a great show for an unsuspecting audience and turning the high-energy event into another manifestation of blading’s amazing potential… And violently so!
Results:
1st place: Hadrien Bastouil
2nd place: Mathieu Heinemann
3rd place: Carson Starnes
Best trick: Nicolas Mayé
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