The nearly four-month-long saga showcasing the finest up-and-coming ski talents as well as firmly established riders came to a definitive close in Verbier. It took several moments for Collomb-Patton’s victory to sink in but there was no doubt that his uncanny ability to charge lines at top speed as well as integrate new-school freestyle tricks has once again earned him the prestigious title of world champion.
While Collomb-Patton ultimately took the title, the 21-year-old Pehota did not go quietly into the night as he and Collomb-Patton constantly vied for top position throughout the season. Pehota was new on the scene this year but consistently delivered spectacular performances at nearly all of the competition stops as he showcased his North American homebrewed style, chock full of buttery-smooth freestyle tricks. In the end, however, it was Collomb-Patton’s more consistently strong riding that nudged Pehota into second place, followed by Fabio Studer’s patented innovative tactical approach loaded with freestyle tricks that secured him the third place position on the champions’ podium.
The world champion male skier was ultimately determined today from the highest overall scores after the penultimate stop in Haines, Alaska due to the cancellation of the category finals in Verbier. Stormy weather producing strong winds and low visibility barred riders from dropping into the face on two separate occasions. Organizers decided to cancel the event after forecasts predicted sustained strong winds and snowfall preventing any viable competition date until the end of the allotted weather window on April 10th.
Three world champions from the remaining categories were crowned Saturday, April 2nd, at the hallmark grand finale event of the Swatch Freeride World Tour: the Swatch Xtreme Verbier. Eva Walkner (AUT – Women Ski), Sammy Luebke (USA – Men Snowboard), and Estelle Balet (SUI – Women Snowboard) stood proudly atop the podium after a momentous season that terminated with spectacular performances on the fabled Bec des Rosses face at 21st edition of the renowned event in Verbier.
After months of triumph, defeat, and anticipation, the four champions were crowned in the center of Verbier in a festive atmosphere as the five-stop tour reached its climax and conclusion amid fans and spectators. With another highly successful season in the bag, the Swatch Freeride World Tour is proud to close on a high note thanks to an incredibly talented assembly of riders, organizers, and supporters.
Catch the replay of the snowboard men’s Swatch Xtreme Verbier on Red Bull TV. The women’s categories in addition to any of the exciting events from the 2016 Swatch Freeride World Tour can be found on www.freerideworldtour.com where any run of the season can be re-watched with the rider tagging tool. Stay tuned to the Freeride World Tour website, Facebook, and Twitter outlets for the latest updates and event
Qualified riders for SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR 2017:
Snowboard Men:
1. Sammy Luebke (USA) – 9700
2. Florian Orley (AUT) – 7260
3. Jonathan Penfield (CAN) – 6580
4. Christopher Galvin (USA) – 6535
5. Camille Armand (FRA) – 6525
6. Ralph Backstrom (USA) – 6365
7. Sascha Hamm (GBR) – 4470
Ski Women:
1. Eva Walkner (AUT) – 9400
2. Jaclyn Paaso (USA) – 8255
3. Arianna Tricomi (ITA) – 8080
4. Matilda Rapaport (SWE) – 7605
5. Nadine Wallner (AUT) – 6935
6. Evelina Nilsson (SWE) – 6190
7. Lauren Cameron (CAN) – 4725
Snowboard Men:
1. Estelle Balet (SUI) – 9400
2. Anne-Flore Marxer (FRA/SUI) – 9180
3. Marion Haerty (FRA) – 8140
4. Elodie Mouthon (FRA) – 7780
5. Mikaela Hollsten (NOR) – 5405
