FREERIDE WORLD TOUR KICKING HORSE PRO RECAP

The second event of the 2024 Freeride World Tour (FWT) by Peak Performance season captivated audiences yesterday at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, B.C. The competition went down on the T1 South face, which had a firm base with a fresh layer of pow. Although the temperature was cold—with lows pushing -20 °C—the world’s best freeriders turned up the heat and delivered memorable performances.

Max Hitzig. Photo by Dom Daher / Freeride World Tour

Here’s a look at what happened today in the Purcell Mountains…

Astrid Cheylus. Photo by Dom Daher / Freeride World Tour

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.

“I am really happy with this win and looking forward to Georgia—I hope for the same result! I am so stoked to be here in Kicking Horse; it’s a sick resort.” —Anna Martinez, 2024 Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro Winner

Photo by Jeremy Bernard / Freeride World Tour

Snowboard Men
Victor de Le Rue (FRA) stamped his authority on the T1 South face 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.

“Really awesome to manage to take the win again. Conditions were tricky and a bit stressful to ride properly, but I had a good feature up top, which I am proud of. I really like this place; Canada is especially very special. I am in a good position now, meaning I can free my mind and maybe try some other moves in the next comp.” —Victor de Le Rue, 2024 Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro Winner

Photo by Jeremy Bernard / Freeride World Tour

Ski Women
Young rookie Astrid Cheylus (FRA) didn’t take her foot off the pedal, 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.

“I don’t know if this is real or a dream; I am so stoked. The conditions were better than I thought, and it wasn’t the line I had planned, but the little lip at the end was calling me. It is my first time in Kicking Horse and I like it. I look forward to Georgia and might try something bigger, and will try to enjoy it even more.” —Astrid Cheylus, 2024 Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro Winner

Photo by Jeremy Bernard / Freeride World Tour

Ski Men
Max Hitzig (GER) made it two for two this season, delivering an electrifying performance to race ahead in the overall rankings. He 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 showing here last year with a third.

“I am super excited and stoked with the win. Conditions were better than expected, but I tried to ski a safe line, so I was happy to finish. Travelling with my buddy Vale [Valentin Rainer] is so much fun, and competing here has been amazing. Looking forward to Georgia. They have had a lot of snow and conditions look great, so I will try to stay in the top spot.” —Max Hitzig, 2024 Kicking Horse Golden BC Pro Winner

Photo by Jeremy Bernard / Freeride World Tour

Relive all of today’s action at freerideworldtour.com, and stay tuned to the FWT’s social media channels (@freerideworldtour) and subscribe to the FWT newsletter to keep pace with the latest news as it drops.

The title race heated up in Kicking Horse, but attention now turns to the Georgia Pro, which is the last chance for riders to lock in points before The Cut in the 2024 FWT by Peak Performance.