Results from World Freeride Tour in Sochi

Mon 26 January 09

After the first day of competition with fresh snow and sunshine with an enthusiastic crowd, the 56 riders had a day to recuperate as Day 2 was postponed due to warmer temperatures.

Amazing kick off for the Freeride World Tour 2009 in Sochi

After the first day of competition with fresh snow and sunshine with an enthusiastic crowd, the 56 riders had a day to recuperate as Day 2 was postponed due to warmer temperatures.

Surprising at that may be in Krasnaya Polyana, situated 40 minutes from the Black Sea, this future Sochi 2014 Olympic site for on-snow sports (all other sports will be in the city of Sochi) does not usually have such mild temperatures in the winter. However, the sun increased the temperature so much that the O°C point was at 3800 meters! With the summit chosen for Day 2 reaching 2200 meters (resort at 500m with lots of snow), the mountain guides decided to postpone the competition day (possible competition days spanned from January 21-24) so the riders could compete in better conditions.

On Saturday, the temperature has comeback down to the seasonal norms, and even with the cloud cover, the riders were able to compete.

On the crest of the top ski lift, after a one-hour walk there were 4 possible starting points (2 accessible with harness only) forming a circle facing the ski lift, the show was particularly spectacular. Suspense was in the air until the end as Aurelien Ducroz (FRA), leader of Day 1, and Henrik Windstedt (SWE) were amongst the last to compete (start list was in reverse order of Day 1).

Overall Results of the Nissan Russian Adventure

Placing 3rd both days of the competition, the consistency of Sverre Liliequist (SWE) pays off. This situation is a bit unusual for him as we have seen in the past; his powerful, aggressive ‘Viking’ style often causes him to fall. His intelligent line choice revealed his extreme agility on various terrains. Aurelien Ducroz (FRA) just missed the top of the podium with only one tenth of a point difference; these are the closest results ever for the Freeride World Tour.

This story of consistency was almost the same for Cyril Neri (SUI), as he placed 2nd and 4th; this proves he really studied his options to take the most impressive and smooth lines that played into his style of riding. This victory is undeniably thanks to his rich experience.

Jess McMillan (USA) is the undeniable winner of this competition with her fast and aggressive lines. Elyse Saugstad (USA) unfortunately fell when landing an impressive jump; she will get her chance to defend her title of World Champion on her home mountains in Squaw Valley USA.

Aline Bock (GER) is undoubtedly the revelation of this first stage of the Freeride World Tour. She broke away from the traditional runs integrating numerous jumps thanks to her début as a freestyler. Gaining confidence from this first victory, she will certainly continue to impress everyone throughout the season.

2nd Day Results

With an unfortunate fall in the first run, Henrik Windstedt (SWE), World Champion 2008, lead today with a perfect run, a line of true freeride expression full of power, fluidity and dexterity with a high level of difficulty.

In the women’s ski competition, Janette Hargin (SWE) lead this run with an aggressive start and impressive jumps including a cliff jumps of around 4 meters. She really used the terrain to her advantage.

In snowboard, the freestyler, Aline Bock (GER) made an awesome début in freeride leading today’s run with a fluid line using the terrain, especially with her jumps.

For the men, Flo Orley (AUT) brought together speed and absolute confidence for his line and magnificent jumps notably a 360° on a cornice and a back flip in the final area.

Watch Highlights

Overall results

Snowboard men
1 NERI CYRIL SUI 2000
2 DE LE RUE XAVIER FRA 1600
3 COUDRAY ALEX SUI 1300
4 BROMMELSIEK WILL USA 1100
4 THEMEL ERIC AUT 1000
6 ORLEY FLO AUT 910
7 EMERY JONAS SUI 830
8 ZIPSER MAX AUT 760
9 DRUZHININ EGOR RUS 695
10 TOELDERER MITCH AUT 635
11 MAGNUSSON DAVID NOR 580
12 KLASSEN STEVE USA 530
13 SOMMER ANDRE SUI 485
14 REGENSBURGER DANIEL AUT 445
15 KHRYACHKOV GENNADY RUS 410
16 LVOV PAVEL RUS 380
17 BULLET RAPHAEL SUI 355
18 FALCO JULIEN SUI 335
19 WATSON DAVE USA 320

Snowboard women
1 BOCK ALINE GER 2000
2 HAGEN CHARLOTTE NOR 1600
3 ZENKLUSEN NATHALIE SUI 1300
4 KARVINEN ANNIINA FIN 1100
5 HARKONEN KAISA FIN 1000
6 PAHL ELISABETH RUS 910

Freeride World Champions Crowned Today at Verbier!
In front of more than 8500 astounded and cheering spectators, and over 40 000 viewers on the live feed on internet, the top-level athletes put on their highest game today to tackle freeriding’s most illustrious competition. -26Mar12
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

Related categories

:: 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