Another Stellar Stop of the Freeride World Tour Just Went Down: Watch the Winning Ski Runs Here
The first stop of the Freeride World Tour in Baqueira Beret, Spain, has come and gone. The venue, known for its avid and vocal spectators, drew a crowd of 3,000. As is often the case with the FWT, they were treated to a show. Keep reading to watch the winning runs.
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Despite mixed-looking conditions, all three members of the women’s podium put down solid runs. Justine Dufour-Lapointe, the reigning FWT champion, again proved why she always has a shot at the hardware. She cut a quick line down the venue, peppering her path with a trademark backflip. Rookies Zoé Delzoppo and Lou Barin rounded out the podium, finishing second and third, respectively.
“I was really nervous at the start because of the snow, but it turned out much better than expected,” said Dufour-Lapointe in a release shared by the FWT. “Landing the backflip in such an exposed spot was way outside my comfort zone, and I’m really proud of that because pushing my limits is my goal this year.”
The men’s top finishers executed clean, mostly straightforward runs. Both the first and third-place skiers, Ben Richards and Wei-Tien Ho, kept it fast and fluid.
“My run went well, even though it felt a bit loose and sketchy at times. The conditions weren’t ideal for showing our best riding, so I’m just happy to have made it down,” said Richards. “Being back in Baqueira is awesome, and competing in front of this crowd is really special.”
There was one fall-out-of-your-seat moment among the podium finishers, though. Toby Rafford tackled a daunting, technical line pioneered by the Spanish freerider Aymar Navarro. Rafford added his own twist, clearing a huge mandatory air with a 360. Navarro later appeared in the finish corral to congratulate Rafford.
The competition also presented opportunities for some members of the men’s field to show off new sponsors. After the event, Ho confirmed that he had joined Dynastar skis, having left the Commencal team.
The FWT is set to next convene in Val Thorens, France, between January 23 and January 28.
To watch the complete Baqueira Beret Pro replay, click here.