It will all start on the Russian Olympic ski slopes of Sochi in January, followed closely by the next stage in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France. The Tour will then journey to the United States to “ride” Squaw Valley USA's mythical Tram Face that has not yet officially been cleared for a freeriding competition, following last season's weather cancellation. Finally, those riders with the top ratings will compete in the Tour's grand finale in Verbier, Switzerland during the Nissan Xtreme by Swatch, which celebrates its 15th year in 2010.
“It is with great satisfaction that we announce the Freeride World Tour's third season. This year the Tour will be staged in some of the world's most renowned ski resorts," boasts Nicolas Hale-Woods, founder of the Freeride World Tour. "Ensured by the participation of the world's top freeriders, we are very keen for the FWT's third season to kick off.”
Last year's champions include Frenchman Aurélien Ducroz (men's ski), fellow countryman Xavier de Le Rue (men's snowboard), Ane Enderud of Norway (women's ski) and America's own Susan Mol (women's snowboard). The pressure is already on. Most riders have already begun their physical and mental pre-season workouts.
“The level among the riders has increased constantly since the first edition of the Tour. It is no longer enough to be a great skier to take part of the Tour," admits Ducroz. "Physical and mental preparation, thorough inspection of the competition face, and top gear, are all important elements that has helped develop freeriding to a professional sport, becoming more and more known by the broad public.”
The 2010 Freeride World Tour's four stages:
- Nissan Russian Adventure by Swatch - Sochi, Russia
January 21, 2010 - Nissan Freeride of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc - France
January 30, 2010 - Nissan Tram Face - Squaw Valley USA - California, United State
February 27, 2010 - Nissan Xtreme by Swatch - Verbier, Switzerland
March 20, 2010
