Smoothy Moves to Fifth Place on Freeride World Tour Rankings

he second stop of the 2014 SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR BY THE NORTH FACE® (FWT) took place at Chamonix, France on Saturday. Mont Blanc created a picturesque background for the competition at La Flégère ski area on the Aiguille Pourrie face. Sunny conditions and fresh powder snow created great conditions for riding, but wind the evening before the competition made the top half of the slope extra challenging. Male and female skiers and snowboarders competed in the event representing sixty-nine of the world’s best freeriders and including four from New Zealand.

Following on from his 11th place finish at the Courmayeur stop earlier in the week, skier Sam Smoothy was once again the highest scoring New Zealand athlete. Looking strong and confident despite the variable conditions, Sam finished the day in sixth place and moved to fifth in the overall rankings.

“I went a little harder today. I had a late bib so went with a simple, flowing line that wouldn't have issues with rocks or landing holes left by the previous 40 riders. I made a last second call just before my big cliff not to hit it and just keep things fast and fluid and it paid off.”

Having had surgery to remove his appendix only three weeks ago and therefore limited time to train before the start of the tour Sam said, “To be ranked fifth overall on the FWT, with just three days’ skiing this season is amazing. I'm really excited at going 100% at the next comp to try and take a podium.”

Watch Sam’s run here: www.dailymotion.com/video/x1aah2m_fwt14-sam-smoothy-chamonix-mont-blanc_sport