THE RESULTS : European Victory on the Grand Balme
The Nissan Freeride de Tignes, the third stage of the Freeride World Tour, took place on the impressive Grand Balme face, left untouched for this competition. After patiently awaiting the best conditions for the competition, the organizers and those from the Tignes resort provided an amazing playground for the world’s elite to reveal their talent. Following the Nissan Freeride de Tignes, the announcement was made for those qualified for the grand finale of the Freeride World Tour March 21st, the mythical Nissan Xtreme de Verbier.
MEN SKI
1. Matthias Haunholder (AUT)
2. Thomas Diet (FRA)
3. Henrik Windstedt (SWE)
Our local champion, Guerlain Chicherit got a nice 7th place in this Nissan Freeride of Tignes.
MEN SNOWBOARD
1. Xavier de Le Rue (FRA)
2. Max Zipser (AUT)
3. Alex Coudray (SUI)
WOMEN SKI
1. Caroline Meynet (FRA)
2. Marja Persson (SWE)
3. Elyse Saugstad (USA)
WOMEN SNOWBOARD
1. Geraldine Fasnacht (SUI)
2. Susan Mol (USA)
3. Anniina Karvinen (FIN)
The French snowboarder, Xavier de Le Rue, took his first victory of the season reinforcing his top spot of the Freeride World Ranking. Among the first to head down the slope, the Freeride World Champion 2008 had an exceptional run recognized by the judges and spectators gathered at the foot of the magnificent Grand Balme face. The Austrian Max Zipser took second with a well-thought run after several podiums in Freeride World Qualifier events. Alex Coudray also impressed themedia and spectators, thus was given the Media Judges Award.
Caroline Meynet also from France took her first major victory of her career. Using her technical talent, she was able to beat out the leaders of the Freeride World Ranking. With a powerful runs and perfectly mastered jumps, Marja Persson (SWE, 2nd) and Elyse Saugstad (USA, 3rd), Freeride World Champion 2008, were not able to steal the spotlight from Caroline.
In the men’s ski competition, the young Austrian Matthias Haunholder also took his first victory on the Freeride World Tour after having had an impressive season at the qualifier level in 2008. This skier from Fieberbrunn won by a landslide ahead of Thomas Diet (FRA), who also achieved his career best result. From Val Thorens, Thomas finally revealed his talent climbing his first podium just ahead of the Freeride World Champion 2008, Henrik Windstedt (SWE). The favorite, Aurelien Ducroz, current leader of the Freeride World Ranking, unfortunately fell after a perfect start.
In the women’s snowboard competition, Geraldine Fasnacht (SUI), winner of the Nissan Xtreme de Verbier several times, made her comeback with a great victory. Granted a Wild Card after a knee injury in 2008, this snowboarder from Verbier chose the perfect line. She won ahead of Susan Mol (USA), winner of the Nissan Tram Face that took place just a few days ago in Squaw Valley USA.
Matthias Haunholder (Austria), winner of the Nissan Freeride de Tignes:
“I spent a lot of time looking at the Grand Balme face, even until late last night. I knew I had to be brave to make the difference on this slope. I took a line with a landing in a steep spot, like the snowboarder Xavier de Le Rue. I was able to master the consecutive turns and jumps. I made it to the Freeride World Tour after having won a qualifier in 2008. The first stages of the
Freeride World Tour gave me the confidence that allowed me to win in Tignes.”
Caroline Meynet (France), winner of the Nissan Freeride de Tignes:
“This victory is simply incredible and a surprise! This is my third competition of the season; and I already climbed the podium at the Nissan Xtreme de Verbier in 2007, but I have never won. I took an unusual line that no other woman attempted. I think it was just my day!”
Geraldine Fasnacht (Switzerland), winner of the Nissan Freeride de Tignes:
“The competition in Tignes was a chance for me to get ready for Verbier. I really enjoyed riding the Grand Balme. It was pretty stressful from me coming back to competition after my knee injury, but we got lots of good information from the organizers. This allowed me to define my line and have a good time. I can’t wait to get to Verbier next week. The face got a lot of snow in the past few days, so I think the upcoming competition will be awesome!”
