Source from www.freerideworldtour.com

The third stop of the Freeride World Tour took place on the impressive Grand Balme face in Tignes, which had been left untouched for this competition. After patiently waiting for the best conditions for the competition, Tour organizers and Tignes resort staff provided an amazing playground for the world’s elite freeriders to reveal their talent.

SCOTT rider Matthias Haunholder won the men`s ski competition and took home his first Tour victory after having an impressive season at the qualifiers in 2008.


SCOTT Rider Matthias Haunholder - photo courtesy www.freerideworldtour.com/ David Carlier

“I spent a lot of time looking at the Grand Balme face, even until late last night," said Haunholder. "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 snowboarder Xavier de Le Rue," he continued. "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 Tour gave me the confidence that allowed me to win in Tignes.”

In the women`s competition, SCOTT skier Elyse Sausgtad placed third while Jess McMillan was fifth.


SCOTT rider Phil Meier going big in Tignes - photo courtesy www.freerideworldtour.com/ CMargot

SCOTT snowboarder Eric Themel missed the podium, placing fourth after after an incredible run. Austrian SCOTT rider Daniel Regensburger was seventh and Swiss rider Raphael Bullet ninth.