Fabio Studer, Photo: T.LLoyd / FWT
. world ski news : First attempt of Competition at Courmayeur Mont Blanc Concludes Incomplete - 18 January 2014 - 09:40
FREERIDE WORLD TOUR. Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Italy -January 17, 2014- Difficult weather conditions prohibited today's SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR BY THE NORTH FACE® (FWT), competition in Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Italy from completing. Over 20 cm. of new snow provided great skiing conditions for the riders who were able to compete. However, several weather holds due to fog only enabled eight male skiers to complete their runs before the day ended. No snowboarders were able to ride today. At least two thirds of the competitors must finish their runs in order for the competition results to stand.
Fabio Studer, Photo: T.LLoyd / FWT
“We are facing a very tricky snow structure in the Alps this season,” said FWT General Manager Europe Nicolas Hale-Woods. “We had a small weather window to complete the competition and we decided together with the Pro Freeriders Board to take our chance and run the event. "
The weather window for this stop extends through Thurs., January 23. Organizers plan to try to hold the competition again as soon as the weather permits. All the riders will starts again from scratch. Conditions in the Alps have been very difficult in the first part of the winter with high avalanche risks and thin snowpack in many places. FWT organizers are committed to providing athletes with a safe competition venue and will continue to monitor conditions and weather. Stay tuned for further updates.
by FWT
19:43 17-01-2014