Our mates from Mpora have been running around here in Tignes asking riders, locals and anyone else they can grab who they think’ll win the men’s Superpipe competition here at X Games.

While it looks like the news that Shaun White isn’t showing up has spread relatively well, the folk still hoping to see ‘The new Japanese guy’ ride will obviously be disappointed when they learn that Ayumu Hirano is stuck in Japan with the flu. Understandably, Len Jorgensen of the RK1 crew is backing fellow Norseman Stale Sandbech, while many are putting their money on Iouri Podladtchikov or Louie Vito to take the title. Rumour has it that Iouri has a new frontside double cork 1440 variation that he has been waiting to unleash on the world…

While we’re on the topic of predictions we may as well give our two cents as well. After I-Pod’s standout performance at the Arctic Challenge we’d be willing to put our money on him taking a win here in Shaun and Ayumu’s absence, with Louie Vito and Scotty Lago rounding out the podium.

On the women’s side of things we’re predicting another Kelly Clark/Arielle Gold showdown with Elena Hight and Gretchen Bleiler hot on their heels. With heavy snowfall all day the pipe will be running slowly so at the moment it’s looking like it’ll come down to who can hold the most speed in the flatbottom.

Who do you think will take Gold in this year’s superpipe comp? Check out the comp schedule and tune into our livestream to find out!