The second Stop of Freeride World Tour 2024 ran to successful completion in Kicking Horse Golden, BC on Thursday, February 15th. The competition went down on the T1 South face, which had a firm base with a fresh layer of pow. Although the temperature was cold – with lows pushing -20 °C – the world’s best freeriders turned up the heat and delivered memorable performances.
Snowboard Men
Two-time FWT Champion Victor de Le Rue (FRA) stamped his authority on the T1 South face today and extended his lead over the rest of the field. He wasted no time getting into his run, airing into an exposed area before sending a huge double and a smooth backside 360. He made short work of the rest of the face and claimed a memorable victory. Michael Mawn (USA) found redemption after a fall in Verbier with an aggressive display of freeriding to claim second, followed by Timm Schröder (GER) in third.
“Really awesome to manage to take the win again. Conditions were tricky and a bit stressful to ride properly, but I had a good feature up top, which I am proud of. I really like this place; Canada is especially very special. I am in a good position now, meaning I can free my mind and maybe try some other moves in the next comp", Victor de Le Rue said.
Snowboard Women
Anna Martinez (FRA) went one better than her second place at the Verbier Pro, claiming her first win on the FWT. She kept her speed and fluidity throughout her run, stacking the features that included some sizeable airs up top and technical riding mid-run. Estelle Rizzolio (FRA) and Erin Sauve (CAN) finished second and third, respectively, both throwing down solid runs.
“I am really happy with this win and looking forward to Georgia – I hope for the same result! I am so stoked to be here in Kicking Horse; it’s a sick resort", Anna Martinez said.
Ski Women
Young rookie Astrid Cheylus (FRA) didn’t take her foot off the pedal today, lining up two massive cliffs and stacking the features amidst aggressive freeride turns. She then risked it all, laying out a backflip off the wind lip at the bottom and putting it to bolts, celebrating a maiden FWT victory as she crossed the finish line. Compatriot and long-time friend Manon Loschi (FRA) finished less than three points behind – also backflipping to perfection – with Hedvig Wessel (NOR) rounding off the podium in third.
“I don’t know if this is real or a dream; I am so stoked. The conditions were better than I thought, and it wasn’t the line I had planned, but the little lip at the end was calling me. It is my first time in Kicking Horse and I like it. I look forward to Georgia and might try something bigger, and will try to enjoy it even more”, Astrid Cheylus said.
Ski Men
Max Hitzig (GER) made it two wins from two this season, delivering an electrifying performance to race ahead in the overall rankings. Max showcased his powerful style of freeriding, combining a deep straight air into a picture-perfect 360, then choosing an express route to the finish with multiple drops. Oscar Mandin (FRA) wasn’t far behind in second, going warp speed with multiple huge airs and a titanic backflip. Marcus Goguen (CAN) backed up his second place here last year with a third.
“I am super excited and stoked with the win. Conditions were better than expected, but I tried to ski a safe line, so I was happy to finish. Traveling with my buddy Vale [Valentin Rainer] is so much fun, and competing here has been amazing. Looking forward to Georgia. They have had a lot of snow and conditions look great, so I will try to stay in the top spot", Max Hitzig said.
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