Electricity was in the air as the Austrian skies parted for the first time in days, revealing the impressive Wildseeloder (2,118m) competition face. The 400 vertical meter face hardly resembled its former self with a fresh coating of snow that provided perfect conditions for freeriders to execute their finest lines of the season – some in a last ditch effort to make the qualification cut-offs for the final two stops of the tour and ultimately next year’s FWT.

After much anticipation due to the event being postponed three days because of constant snowfall and low visibility, 54 riders were anxious to finally get a chance to drop in to the face this morning from the two start gates – one for women and one for men. The stakes of this event were high and the quality of the riding reflected the intensity of the athletes.

RESULTS – DROP IN ORDER

SNOWBOARD WOMEN

It was also an important day in the snowboard women division with former world champion Elodie Mouthon (FRA – 1st ) laying down the highest scoring line of the day with control and amplitude. It was an emotional second place for Anne-Flore Marxer (SUI/FRA – 2nd) as she tackled the face with authority, scoring her just above fellow francophone Marion Haerty (FRA – 3rd) who has been impressing judges all season. Notably absent from the podium is favorite Estelle Balet (SUI) whose fourth place finish will still guarantee her spot on Alaska along with Mikaela Hollsten (FIN).

Riders qualified for Haines, Alaska: 
1- Estelle Balet (SUI) – 4700 
2- Anne-Flore Marxer (FRA/SUI) – 4700 
3- Marion Haerty (FRA) – 4180 
4- Elodie Mouthon (FRA) - 3955 
5- Mikaela Hollsten (NOR) - 3605

SNOWBOARD MEN

The snowboard men ran last today but also expressed an incredibly high level of riding due to the need to qualify for the fourth event on the FWT. Team USA swept the podium with favorite Sammy Luebke (USA – 1st) once again taking the top position with grab mastery and his trademark smooth riding. Newcomer Jonathan Penfield (USA – 2nd) took second with a solid riding style that he shared with his compatriot Christopher Galvin (USA – 3rd). Ralph Backstrom (USA) did not stay on his feet but will still qualify for Haines along with young Frenchman Camille Armand and veteran Florian Orley (AUT).

Riders qualified for Haines, Alaska: 
1- Sammy Luebke (USA) – 5000 
2- Jonathan Penfield (CAN) – 4000 
3- Ralph Backstrom (USA) – 3780 
4- Sasha Hamm (GRB) – 3340 
5- Camille Armand (FRA) – 3270 
6- Christopher Galvin (USA) – 3110 
7- Florian Orley (AUT) – 3080

The replay of today’s riding is available in its entirety on freerideworldtour.com where viewers can select any of the riders and share their runs with the rider tagging system. Each and every one of this season’s previous events are also available to watch.

Now the that the results are in and the cuts are made, come join the FWT on the other side of the planet in one of the most legendary freeride destinations in the world: Haines, Alaska. Join the FWT during the competition window of March 13-24, 2016 to catch the live webcast of the event on freerideworldtour.com. Be sure to catch the latest updates and event information on the FWT website, the FWT Facebook page, and on Twitter.