We don’t care how they placed, so long as they had fun while they’re doing it.
It was yet another dramatic season on the Freeride World Tour this year, and we couldn’t be prouder of the Flylow athletes who traveled the world to compete. It wasn’t an easy season, but all of them put in their all and did their best to stay on their feet. And in all honesty, we don’t care at all how they ranked, or what place they get. We just like to see our homegrown athletes out there on the world stage having fun and experiencing new places.
Take a look at Tahoe-raised Ross Tester, for starters. What a performance! After his rookie year in 2021, where he ended up second overall and named Rookie of the Year, he came out guns blazing in 2022. He started off with an unlucky crash in Baqueira Beret, in Spain, saying on Instagram, “Unfortunate stroke of luck in the competition the other day but nevertheless, lucky to be here at all.” But after that, it was onto Ordino Arcalís, in Andorra, where Tester put down a solid run and ended up in second place, the leading American in the men’s ski lineup. In the end, Tester threw down a huge 360 and earned himself second place at the Xtreme Verbier, the tour’s final stop, cementing himself in the number three overall spot for men’s skiers.
“I had so much fun traveling all over the map to participate in the Freeride World Tour for my second season,” Tester wrote. “The people and experiences from these events and everything in between hold a really special place in my heart and memories. I’m so grateful for the opportunities to do things like this and for the people working to make it all happen and make it a great time … Now it’s time to finish off college and get to training for next season.”
Colorado-bred brothers Jack and Kevin Nichols also competed on the Freeride World Tour, showing that big-mountain shredding runs in their family. Jack ended up sixth place overall; while younger brother Kevin ended up 14th overall. Canadian snowboarder and Kicking Horse, BC, legend Mathieu Martineau ended up eighth overall amongst the men’s snowboarders.
“A mix of excitement and nervousness,” Martineau wrote about his first season on the tour. “This is an entirely different game than what I know back in North America … At the end of the day, I’m just so excited to have the opportunity to travel, meet some amazing riders, and to challenge myself both mentally and physically.”
Here’s one thing that’s for sure: We’re pumped to tune into the Freeride World Tour next year.