Today’s event showed that seemingly-invincible Xavier de Le Rue (FRA) can, in fact, be beaten as the three-time Freeride World Champion seemed to have an off day. Rather, the day belonged to Matt Annetts (USA) who launched his run with a nice jump followed by a good four-meter drop that had taken out the skier just before him. He then hit the middle of the course with fast smooth style before finishing with another clean air at the bottom.

 “I really like this face. Its long and there are lots of things to do on the way down. For not having been snowing in the region for quite some time the snow was amazing. I had a fairly safe run. I wanted to stay on my feet. I knew there were a lot of flat landings. If you would go too fast on that face today you would hit the landings too hard. I’ve had a few podiums on the tour but it feels good to finally be on the top!” said winner Matt Annetts

Filling the remaining podium spots were Mitch Toelderer (AUT) who took the lead early with a fast, fluid run that included several drops. His run was just enough to push him past third place finisher Flo Örley (AUT) who is returning to competition after taking a year off.

2nd placed rider Mitch Toelderer said “I got pretty nervous at the start when I had to wait for a while as the rider ahead of me fell. But I stepped back and relaxed and got the right focus. I tried to do a fast and fluid run and rode the main feature with a narrow couloir and a drop really well. It’s the first time I share the podium with Flo (Orley, AUT). We have been around for a long time but this is the first time we manage to be on the same podium!”

The final podium spot was taken by Flo Orley who said “This mountain seems to bring me luck! Every time I’ve competed here I’ve been on the podium (5 times + winner of FWQ Thursday 27/1)! I really like the face. It’s quite extreme but still really playful. You can find everything here. Every rider on the tour can find a line that suites them – it’s really fair. I’m so happy, I hadn’t been riding for 19 months (round the world sailing) before the season and its just getting better and better.”

Freeride World Tour, St.Moritz results

1. Matt Annetts (USA)
2. Mitch Toelderer (AUT)
3. Flo Orley (AUT)

For more information visit the Freeride World Tour website