1st day and 1st event in the Freeride World Tour

Fri 23 January 09

Day 1 of the long awaited first stage of the Freeride World Tour 2009, the Nissan Russian Adventure, took place today in the Krasnaya Polyana resort near Sochi in Russia, the site for the 2014 Olympic Games.

Everything was perfect to make this event a success, large amounts of fresh snow, blue skies with no clouds in sight and riders ready to take on an impressive face for the first competition of the season.

Freeride World Tour 09 in Sochi. Rider: Raphael Bullet
Photo: NISSAN RUSSIAN ADVENDURE / J Hadik

Visible from just about everywhere, there were 4 starting points at the summit of the ski area offering various choices in runs from open runs, rocky terrain, cornices and cliff jumps. After having accomplished the first section with a bit of sluff (small surface snow movement that can make it difficult to remain steady), there was an area of rolling hills that provided a playground for their creativity with jump options and line choices where all 56 riders were able to reveal their talent.

The face required a lot of preparation from the security team comprised of mountain guides. In the last few days, there was major snowfall at the starting points on the crest which created massive cornices. “Our work modified the terrain a bit revealing icy areas notably when we cleared some high-risk zones” said Stephane Dan. “The last inspection between 8:15 and 9:15 is so important that it is essential to win. There were numerous riders that were waiting for the last visual confirmation before making their tactical decisions even after discussions with other riders during the Riders’ Meeting conducted by the mountain guides Wednesday night.”

Eric Themel (AUT) leads the men’s snowboard competition. Raising the standards high for the competitors to follow, Eric traced a magnificent line with perfect execution even with the sluff and mastered his jumps. On the second half of the run, he chose a unusual line through trees that no other rider attempted with perfect control, power and absolute fluidity.

Cyril Neri (SUI) proclaimed that he was riding for pleasure rather than put himself under the pressure of the competition; and this mind-set worked well for this 3-time winner of the Verbier Xtreme who was present thanks to a Wild Card. He had a fluid start even with a grab on two hanging cliffs and a spectacular jump near the bottom of the technical area. He then performed a back flip on a natural pipe which attests to his remarkable creativity on all terrains which leaves Eric leading only by a thread.

Annina Karvinen (FIN) ranks first of the women’s snowboard competition, she chose a difficult line and performed well which attests to her rapid progression. Close behind, Nathalie Zenklusen (SUI) headed down the slope with no hesitation and a perfect line; just a slight lack of speed made the difference.

Reigning World Champion of the Freeride World Tour 2008, Ruth Leisibach (SUI) unfortunately was injured while training the day before the competition.

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Swatch Freeride World Tour headed to Fieberbrunn
- The Tyrolean village of Fieberbrunn Austria hosted the last stage of the Swatch Freeride World Tour before the finals in Verbier, Switzerland. With the fantastic freeriding conditions, fresh powder, and beautiful blue skies, riders were fired-up to give the mountain their best shot and attempt to secure a place in the finals -12Mar12
Freeride World Tour Results Roldal 2012
The Freeride World Tour stopped at Roldal Norway for another exciting event. -27Feb12
FREERIDE WORLD TOUR 2012 NEXT STOP ROLDAL, NORWAY
After three contested stages out of six, the Swatch Freeride World Tour will host its next competition in Røldal, a hidden pearl of southwest Norway -22Feb12
British Legend James Stentiford, takes on the FWT
Big mountain legend and Quiksilver snowboarder James Stentiford killed it on the Freeride World Tour last year. -17Jan12

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:: Freeride World Tour stories
:: Nissan Russian Adventure, Sochi stories
:: Krasnaya Polyana, Russia resort intro page stories

Nissan Russian Adventure, Sochi

20-25 January 09

The 2009 tour starts in the Russian resort of Sochi

Krasnaya Polyana, Russia

The most comfortable Russian resort, located just 45 km from the Black Sea. The beginners will like the long and easy runs through the picturesque forests and advanced riders will find some good heliboarding and off-piste opportunities. The climate is great, because the sea is nearby, however, it might be a drawback if there's not enough snow. Check the forecast before going there.

Freeriding: 73% - You'll need to hike or heli for the best
Freestyle: 30% - Nothing laid on
Pistes: 60% - Wide but not testing

1st day and 1st event in the Freeride World Tour

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Krasnaya Polyana, Russia

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