Australian star Valentino Guseli falls short of World Cup podium in Aspen
Valentino Guseli has parted ways with the yellow bib after a tricky run at the Halfpipe World Cup in Aspen saw the Australian star fall short of the podium and drop down the standings.
All eyes were on the World Cup leader as he dropped into the halfpipe on Saturday (AEDT) as the pressure of replicating his recent podium success become ever so clear around the slopes.
Guseli's victory in Calgary was front of mind for most, but despite a remarkable display, he could not find a way to compete with the brilliance of Japan's Yuto Tutsuka.
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Valentino Guseli after completing his second run in the halfpipe finals. Getty
Tutsuka, who entered the final level with Guseli on the world standings, was the last athlete to hit the halfpipe and posted a first run score of 90.50 to set the tone for all looking to podium.
It was a vastly different score to Guseli who produced a 85.25 just before Tutsuka dropped in.
Sitting third behind Alessandro Barbieri with 87.25 ahead of the final run, Guseli was left to watch the rest of the field attempt to surpass his score.
Japan's Shuichiro Shingeno was the man to do exactly that, meaning the 20-year-old Australian fell to fourth place before he looked to start his final run.
Valentino Guseli of Team Australia competes in his second run of the Aspen Snowmass Men's Snowboard Halfpipe Finals. Getty
While his score did improve from 85.25 to 86.75 in his final run, it was not enough to make the podium. Instead, it positioned him in fourth place.
"He does look a little bit disappointed but he has gone straight over [to the winners circle to congraulate them]," a commentator said on the FIS Snowboarding live stream, recognising Guseli's sportsmanship.
"That is just something we live to see in World Cup snowboarding."
Totsuka, the 2021 X Games gold medallist, did not take any risks in his victory lap on the halfpipe, although he did stumble into the snow when trying to land his last trick.
The fall did not seem to rattle Totsuka, though, with the Japanese star immediately raising his hands to celebrate his World Cup victory asthe crowd began to cheer.
Shuichiro Shigeno (L) is hugged by teammate Yuto Totsuka (R). Getty
Speaking to reporters after the race, Totsuka admitted he was overjoyed by his victory in Aspen, given he has spent most of the season standing in second place.
"I'm happy to win this competition because I am always No.2 this year," Totsuka said.
"I am super happy now. I will do my best at the Olympics."
Totsuka now leads the World Cup standings with 260 points, while Guseli sits second with 210.
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