The primary cease of the Freeride World Tour in Baqueira Beret, Spain, has come and gone. The venue, recognized for its avid and vocal spectators, drew a crowd of three,000. As is usually the case with the FWT, they have been handled to a present. Preserve studying to look at the profitable runs.
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Regardless of mixed-looking circumstances, all three members of the ladies’s podium put down strong runs. Justine Dufour-Lapointe, the reigning FWT champion, once more proved why she at all times has a shot on the {hardware}. She reduce a fast line down the venue, peppering her path with a trademark backflip. Rookies Zoé Delzoppo and Lou Barin rounded out the rostrum, ending second and third, respectively.
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“I used to be actually nervous at first due to the snow, nevertheless it turned out a lot better than anticipated,” mentioned Dufour-Lapointe in a launch shared by the FWT. “Touchdown the backflip in such an uncovered spot was means exterior my consolation zone, and I’m actually pleased with that as a result of pushing my limits is my objective this 12 months.”
The boys’s high finishers executed clear, largely simple runs. Each the primary and third-place skiers, Ben Richards and Wei-Tien Ho, saved it quick and fluid.
“My run went nicely, although it felt a bit free and sketchy at occasions. The circumstances weren’t excellent for exhibiting our greatest driving, so I’m simply completely happy to have made it down,” mentioned Richards. “Being again in Baqueira is superior, and competing in entrance of this crowd is admittedly particular.”
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There was one fall-out-of-your-seat second among the many podium finishers, although. Toby Rafford tackled a frightening, technical line pioneered by the Spanish freerider Aymar Navarro. Rafford added his personal twist, clearing an enormous obligatory air with a 360. Navarro later appeared within the end corral to congratulate Rafford.
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The competitors additionally offered alternatives for some members of the boys’s discipline to indicate off new sponsors. After the occasion, Ho confirmed that he had joined Dynastar skis, having left the Commencal crew.
The FWT is about to subsequent convene in Val Thorens, France, between January 23 and January 28.
To observe the entire Baqueira Beret Professional replay, click on right here.
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