I went on a gut feeling that this year the Montreal Classic would fucking rock. The last two years were epic and I wouldn’t expect any less in 2010. The Classic brings good vibes, good times, and amazing people, all mashed up into one venue. To me, the contest has always been the type of event where once-acquaintances become long-term, close friends.
After things came together with a last minute decision, we made the road trip from NYC to Montreal, Canada, safe and sound. We checked into a sweet hotel in the heart of the city and got some rest. At sundown, we then cruised over to Southparc Skate Park to be greeted with a free session and BBQ hosted by Danny Laroche, and Guillaume Roy of Lylac Skate Shop. Fast-forward to the free session. I immediately noticed raw talent, new faces, and even some old friends as well. It seemed as though the competition hype was focused into a chill vibe. Everyone was skating on such a tight level, and not necessarily to compete with each other. It felt like a session with close friends.
This kicked the trip off with some positive energy and set a mood for the entire weekend. Here’s what the contest itself looked like, through the lens of Sam DeAngelis. — Franco Cammayo
Franco Cammayo / New York, USA / Rough Makio
Chris Haffey / California, USA / 270 Front Savannah
Danny Laroche and Guillaume Roy / Judges (Left to Right)
Brett Urbas / Michigan, USA / 180 Mute
Brian Arnold / Maryland, USA / True Kind Grind
Jerry Butler / Ohio, USA / Backside Savannah
Julian Bah / California, USA / Alley-Oop Fish
Pierre-Philippe Ioiselle (Pepe) / Montreal, CAN / Wall Ride to Soul
Roman Abrate / Draguignan, FR / Alley-Oop Top Porn
RomanAbrate / Draguignan, FR / Backslide
Wake Schepman / Age 13 / Pennsylvania, USA / 540
Haffey and Cammayo / During Competition
2010 MTL Classic Results
Professional
1st—Chris Haffey
2nd—Roman Abrate
3rd—Franco Camayo
4th—Adrien Anne
5th—Jerry Butler
Amateur
1st—JC Battle
2nd—Bénédicte Chevrier
3rd—Maxence L. Valade
4th—Daniel Millar
5th—David Lagacé
6th—Shawn Martin
7th—Julien Deschamps
8th—Matt Garrity
Photos © 2010 Sam DeAngelis