GOLDEN, British Columbia — Cheers to all the competitors who threw down yesterday at the second event of the 2024 Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance season in Kicking Horse, Golden, BC. Competition was hosted on the T1 South face, which had a firm base with a fresh layer of pow. Temps were cold Although the temperature was cold (lows of 4°F) but the best women and men in the ski and snowboard world managed to turn up the heat and delivered memorable performances. Here are the winning runs:
SKI MEN
Max Hitzig (GER) made it two wins from two this season, delivering an electrifying performance to race ahead in the overall rankings. Max showcased his powerful style of freeriding, combining a deep straight air into a picture-perfect 360, then choosing an express route to the finish with multiple drops. Oscar Mandin (FRA) wasn’t far behind in second, going warp speed with multiple huge airs and a titanic backflip. Marcus Goguen (CAN) backed up his second place here last year with a third.
SKI WOMEN
Young rookie Astrid Cheylus (FRA) didn’t take her foot off the pedal today, lining up two massive cliffs and stacking the features amidst aggressive freeride turns. She then risked it all, laying out a backflip off the wind lip at the bottom and putting it to bolts, celebrating a maiden FWT victory as she crossed the finish line. Compatriot and long-time friend Manon Loschi (FRA) finished less than three points behind – also backflipping to perfection – with Hedvig Wessel (NOR) rounding off the podium in third.
SNOWBOARD MEN
Victor de Le Rue (FRA) stamped his authority on the T1 South face today and extended his lead over the rest of the field. He wasted no time getting into his run, airing into an exposed area before sending a huge double and a smooth backside 360. He made short work of the rest of the face and claimed a memorable victory. Michael Mawn (USA) found redemption after a fall in Verbier with an aggressive display of freeriding to claim second, followed by Timm Schröder (GER) in third.
SNOWBOARD WOMEN
Anna Martinez (FRA) went one better than her second place at the Verbier Pro, claiming her first win on the FWT. She kept her speed and fluidity throughout her run, stacking the features that included some sizeable airs up top and technical riding mid-run. Estelle Rizzolio (FRA) and Erin Sauve (CAN) finished second and third, respectively, both throwing down solid runs.