Thirty six top-ranked riders on their highest game went head to head today in front of an 8500 strong cheering crowd for the 17th edition of the Xtreme Vervier, and final stop of the World Freeride Tour Championships. The spectator zone overlooked the venue of choice; the famous face of the Bec Des Rosses (3222 metres) in Verbier, Switzerland.
The riders had a one hour hike to get to the start gates which dropped down onto a steep, rocky and technical 500-metre face. Challenging the riders to pick creative lines through the maze of protruding rocks expressing their radical abilities to the panel of four judges.
The day flaunted classic European, picture perfect conditions with zero-wind and clear, sunny blue skies, but the warmer conditions created variable snow conditions and sticky patches catching a few riders off guard during the competition.
Tensions and emotions were high among the riders, and we were crossing our fingers in hope that our New Zealand riders would shine through to the podium. We set up camp at the closing gates to catch our friends for an interview as they burst down the mountain into the media catch zone.
Janina Kuzma was first out of the start gates from the kiwi contingent. She started strong, but then fell after a respectable cliff drop taking a savage 60m tumble down the slope. She was not hurt thank god with the only casualty being a derailed ski. Next, Maria Kuzma had a nice clean run with a few sweet airs and as a result finished 3rd place for the day’s event.
Then, our main man Mr Sam Smoothy was 1st out of the start gate for the men. He started his run with strength and gusto choosing a difficult line down the main coilour to attack the Hollywood Cliff on center stage. He back-slapped on the landing and crashed losing his poles, his phone, and his chance at world champion.
Spirits were low and emotions were wretched among our crew after his run, but we can’t deny Sam’s incredible progress over the season. He’s gone from wildcard entry to free-ride warrior leading the pack for the whole season. He’s got a no-fear finesse and solid-steel strength that will see him doing incredible things in seasons to come. We’re super proud of you mate!
“One small mistake and down I go, swinging hard at least. 4th on the tour aint a win but it aint so bad. thanks so much for all the support guys†claimed Sam to his fans on Facebook today.
We also grabbed an interview with Chamoinix based French mountain guide, Jonathan Charlet who took out first place overall in the Mens Snowboard Championship. His was overwhelmed by the result and so were we knowing he has some of the worlds best terrain to practice on in the shadow of Mount Blanc.
“I did not think I would be able to win this title. I needed to consecutive victories. To win in Fieberbrunn and then in Verbier seems impossible. On the top of the Bec all the stress and pressure throughout the season came out and I told myself the best moment of the day would once passing the finish line. So now I am incredibly happy. My father was here, as well as my brother and a lot of friends from Chamonix.†– Jonathan Charlet (FRA), World Champion Snowboard Men
Stay Tuned, Rire Norman
Overall Results:
Freeride World Champions 2012
Ski Men: Reine Barkered, Sweden
Snowboard Men: Jonathan Charlet, France
Ski Women: Christine Hargin, Sweden
Snowboard Women: Maria Debari, USA
Winners Swatch Freeride World Tour Xtreme Verbier
Ski Men: Reine Barkered, Sweden
Snowboard Men: Jonathan Charlet, France
Ski Women: Christine Hargin, Sweden
Snowboard Women: Maria Debari, USA
FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT: http://freerideworldtour.com/398.html
Jonathan Charlet_1st Freeride World Champ_Mens Snowboard_Aidian Bolger Photography
Janina Kuzma_Aidan Bolger PhotographySam Smoothy_4th overall Mens' Ski_Aidan Bolger Photography
Mens Snowboard Podium_Raplh Backstrom, Jonathan Charlet, Flo Orley_Aidan Bolger Photography
Maria Kuzma_3rd overall Womans Snowboard_Aidan Bolger Photography
Sam Smoothy_4th overall Mens' Ski_Aidan Bolger Photography