At a new venue at Val Thorens, Pointe de Thorens, athletes tackled the steep and technical terrain while coming up with creative lines and putting down huge tricks for the second comp of the 2026 Freeride World Tour. US athletes appeared on every podium despite unpredictable snow conditions during Monday’s comp. Thankfully it was bluebird skies so athletes could count on high vision despite the snow.
Ben Richards topped the men’s ski podium yet again opening with a big 360 into a huge straight air. Topping off his run with another big spin before skiing gracefully into the finish corral. This was a confident run from start to finish and showcased what the tour is all about. Two Americans took home the next two podium spots with rookie Joey Leonardo taking silver and Ross Tester coming in third.
For the female skiers, rookie Agostine Vietti took first place with some beautifully executed airs. She showed that clean and calculated skiing is exactly what it takes to get to the top of the podium. Swiss skier Sybille Blanjean took second and American rookie Wynter Mcbride came in third.
French snowboarder Victor De Le Rue took first in the men’s category with consistent spins and clean riding throughout his run. Despite getting hung up in the middle of his run Victor De Le Rue showed that careful and calculated runs can be the key to success. US rider Shayne Blue Sandblom and French athlete Enzo Nilo came in third to tie off the men’s snowboard podium.
Finally in the women’s snowboard category Noémie Equy took first. She was the 2025 Freeride World Tour champion and came to show out again this year with a big win at her home resort. Another French rider Anna Martinez earned herself second place and American rookie Mia Jones came in third after her big win at Baqueira Beret.
This week’s comp was another huge success for the tour and provided another great source of stoke for the audience. Hopefully more bluebird days and big airs are in the future for the rest of this season’s tour as athletes gear up for the Georgia Pro next month.