Double Team Podium in Haines, AK

For many of us Freeride World Tour`s fourth stop in Haines, Alaska became a long, but amazing wait. During the time here in Haines we have experienced some crazy storms, which brought us some great conditions. After first, second and third try to get the comp started, it was a lot of people doubting if the comp will run at all.

It was a 9 days “weather wait game” but when everyone woke up on Monday morning we all knew that this will be an historical day. The setting was like a post card when you came up to the Venue and all the riders were really looking forward to get the show rolling.

And what a show! The athletes delivered mind-blowing performances, whether fighting for the World Champion title or simply attempting to qualify for the final at Verbier Extreme (28th of March). The conditions on the 740 vertical meters (2300 ft) competition face were close to perfect with knee deep, blower powder covering the characteristic long and impressive spines.

For our SCOTT team riders, Haines turned out to be the most successful stop so far this season. After both Loïc Collom-Patton and Stefan Häusl did some mistakes during their huge charging lines, it was up to Kevin Guri and Jérémie Heitz to put down some big lines.

Kevin Guri showed us a great big line, with lots of technical skiing and great control, which gave him 80 impressive points and a bronze medal. As the second to last skier, Jérémie Heitz showed no mercy with his run. Jérémie was by far the fastest skier of the day! He did not only have the best fall line, he also went big which created a debate in the judges’ tent.

After some discussion the judges agreed that George Rodney was the king for the day with 87.75 points, Jérémie 2nd on 81 points and Kevin 3rd with 80 points.

Down in the finish area when the results were confirmed both Jérémie and Kevin were very happy and relieved;

“We have been waiting for one week to ride this face. Haines is the best place for freeriding so I am pretty proud to be on the box here." - Jérémie Heitz.

While Kevin Guri said "I am finally on the box it has been a long time. I was a bit disappointed at theend of my run but really surprised with 3rd.”

Our girls Lorraine Huber and Jackie Paaso had a lot of courage and went big, but sadly it did not last all the way.

Next up is Verbier Extreme, this Saturday the 28th of March you can follow it live at: http://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/page/20-years

Final cut for Verbier Extreme:

Men’s Ski
1. George Rodney (USA) 6800
2. Jérémie Heitz (SUI) 5900
3. Reine Barkered (SWE) 5370
4. Drew Tabke (USA) 5120
5. Sam Smoothy (NZL) 5000
6. Samuel Anthamatten (SUI) 4720
7. Conor Pelton (USA) 4460
8. Juan Bergada (ARG) 4420
9. Loïc Collomb-Patton (FRA) 4340
10. Felix Wiemers (GER) 4010
11. Kevin Guri (FRA) 3775
12. Wille Lindberg (SWE) 3770
 
Women’s Ski
1. Eva Walkner (AUT) 6900
2. Silvia Moser (ITA) 6105
3. Hazel Josie Birnbaum (USA) 5800
4. Francesca Ace Pavillard-Cain (USA) 5760
5. Lotten Rapp (SWE) 5335
6. Christine Hargin (SWE) 4975

Photo Credit : David Carlier and Jeremy Bernard