TRANSWORLD RIDERS POLL AWARDS 2009! LAURITA PRESENTITA!

Last night at The Joint at the Hard Rock Cafe Casino in Las Vegas, the snowboard industry's equivalency to the Academy Awards took place. Yes indeed, the Transworld Rider's Poll Awards was the only place to see and be seen, and to spill drinks on whomever you happened to bump into at the open bar. By all accounts it was the Travis Rice show, as he cleaned up in every single category he was nominated in, including Video Part of the Year, Rider of the Year, Standout Rider of the Year, and Reader's Choice Rider of the Year. The humble Rice seemed genuinely surpised by the sweep, and made a point of giving shout-outs to all the other nominees, plus riders he was simply stoked on and wanted to mention (including our own Andrew Hardingham). Canada's own Marie-France Roy took home two awards: Video Part of the Year and Reader's Choice Rider of the Year. And fellow Canadian Raewyn Reid won Rookie of the Year, making it a big night indeed for Canadian women. In fact, the only non-Canadian to win was Jamie Anderson, who took Rider of the Year (which no one in their right mind would dispute). The Awards were hosted by Todd Richards and presenters included everyone from Peter Line and Laura Hadar, to Danny Kass and The Dingo. Jamie Lynn's band Kandi Coded played a set after the awards were all handed out, and many people exited to The Palms for the Skull Candy party with Snoop Dogg shortly after that. Host Todd Richards out front at the photo wall. MFR accepts an award from Danny and The Dingo. Raewynn Reid: Video acceptance speech. Presenters Tara Dakides and Jamie Lynnn. The crowd up front, watching Travis Rice's first win. Rice wins: again! MFR takes Video Part of the Year, from presenters Laura Hadar and Peter Line. Travis Rice, back on stage for Video Part of the Year. Jamie Anderson wins Rider of the Year. No doubt! T. Rice, back on stage for a victory lap.