FREERIDE JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ANNOUNCED
On January 28th - 31st, 62 young athletes will determine the future of freeride in the sport’s most prestigious event: The Freeride Junior World Championship, which is organized in collaboration with the Open Faces Freeride Series in the Austrian freeride resort of Kappl.
The riders, who have earned their invitations after strong competition results during the 2019 season, hail from two regions across the globe: Europe and New Zealand on the first hand, and North America on the second. Representing 13 nations and three continents, this diverse group of riders from the ages of 15 to 18 will showcase their talent for a global audience on a live stream.
This year’s competitive field will feature lots of fresh faces, with many of the competitors making their debut appearance at the event. Team Europe is brimming with talent once again, featuring returning snowboard men champion Eliot Dänzer (SUI) and emerging ski contenders like champions of the 2019 Europe Oceania circuit, Victor Hale-Woods (SUI) and Edgar Cheylus (FRA). Yet, New Zealand and North America have built a reputation for putting up a fierce fight. Expect performances from newcomer challengers like twin brothers Fynn and Lach Powell (NZL) in the ski men category, and James Thompson (NZL) in snowboard men after a strong performance on the NZ Junior Freeride Tour this summer. American skiers Britta Winans (USA) and Leon McGuire (USA) are making their return to the event after winning the IFSA North American circuit, and are joined by Hayley Houston (USA) in the snowboard women category.
After a sweep in all four categories last year by team Europe, New Zealand and North America are hungry for victory. Yet a win is anything but certain for Europe, as a field of fresh contenders will ensure a worthy showdown for all freeride fans.
With the support of coaches like Freeride World Tour legends such as Stefan Häusl (AUT), Seb Michaud (FRA), Emilien Badoux (SUI) and Oakley White-Allen (USA), the FJWC signifies the passing of the baton to the next generation.
Click here for the full athlete roster, and don’t miss a moment of the action by tuning into the live stream on January 28th - 31st freerideworldtour.com and on the Freeride Junior Tour Facebook page.