The Freeride World Tour (FWT) made a thrilling stop at Kicking Horse, Golden, BC, for its second event of the 2024 season, bringing together the world’s elite freeriders under the clear blue skies and challenging conditions of the Purcell Mountains. The competition, held on February 15, 2024, saw athletes from across the globe put on a spectacular display of skill, bravery, and innovation on the T1 South face, known for its firm base topped with a fresh layer of powder.
In the Snowboard Women’s category, France’s Anna Martinez outshone her competition, taking home her first win of the season with a blend of speed, fluidity, and technical prowess. Her performance was a step up from her second place at the Verbier Pro, showcasing her readiness for the challenges ahead. Close on her heels were Estelle Rizzolio, also from France, and Canada’s Erin Sauve, who secured the second and third spots, respectively, with their commendable runs.
The Snowboard Men’s division witnessed Victor de Le Rue from France asserting his dominance with a breathtaking run that featured a bold air into an exposed area, a massive double, and a smooth backside 360. His victory further solidified his lead in the overall rankings. The USA’s Michael Mawn bounced back from a fall at Verbier to claim the second spot, while Germany’s Timm Schröder rounded off the podium in third place.
On the skiing front, the Women’s category was led by a remarkable performance from rookie Astrid Cheylus of France, who executed two massive cliffs and a daring backflip off a wind lip, securing her first FWT victory. Manon Loschi, also from France, and Norway’s Hedvig Wessel completed the podium, showcasing their skill and fearlessness with less than three points separating the top two.
The Men’s Ski category was dominated by Germany’s Max Hitzig, who delivered an electrifying run to clinch his second win of the season, further extending his lead in the overall standings. France’s Oscar Mandin and Canada’s Marcus Goguen demonstrated their exceptional skills, finishing second and third, respectively, with Mandin impressing with warp speed and huge airs and Goguen showcasing consistent performance.
The event at Kicking Horse has set the stage for the next showdown in Georgia, with athletes looking to secure vital points before the Cut in the 2024 FWT by Peak Performance. The competition in Canada highlighted not only the extraordinary talent and determination of the riders but also the spirit of freeriding itself as they navigated the challenging conditions to deliver unforgettable performances.
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