The second stop of the 2014 SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR BY THE NORTH FACE® (FWT) concluded today. Mont Blanc created a picturesque background for the competition at La Flégère ski area on the Aiguille Pourrie face. Aiguille Pourrie is a steep and playful venue providing riders ample opportunity to showcase both their big mountain and freestyle skills. Sunny conditions and fresh powder snow created great conditions for riding, but wind the evening before the competition made the top half of the slope extra challenging. Male and female skiers and snowboarders competed in the event representing sixty-nine of the world’s best freeriders.

 

 

“Today was a bit tough for everybody because the face got some wind overnight. That's why we saw a lot of crashes. It made it a bit easier for the judging but a lot tougher for the riders,” said Head FWT Judge Hugo Harrisson (CAN). “But we saw a lot of good ines. Freestyle made the difference to the judges"

 

The competition began with the men’s snowboard division. Swiss rider Emilien Badoux chose a very creative line including a very challenging triple cliff drop in the steep middle section of the venue. His impressive run earned Badoux first place and a score of 81.00. Jamie Rizzuto of Canada utilized the terrain exceptionally well punctuating his run with 360s and fluid turns. Rizzuto came in second place with a score of 79.25. In the third podium position for men’s snowboarding, Chamonix local and wild card rider Christophe Charlet demonstrated his familiarity with the terrain through a strong line choice earning a score of 78.25.

 

“This is my first victory! I am so happy. I did the run I planned to do with a lot of speed and several tricks,” Badoux said. “Chamonix is such a nice resort. As I know it is always relaxing here, I have tried to make the most of my time.”