A dash of style

by Paul Keith on Jan 12, 2010

The second edition of Red Bull Linecatcher got under way as 11 freestyle skiers tackled the fresh powder snow of Vars in France in a bid to reach the final and take on some of the best freeskiers in the world.

The withdrawal of Loic Collomb-Patton with a knee injury meant it was a reduced field that took to the slopes of Chabrières Vars la Forêt Blanche. Thomas Theberge was the first down, running a fluid line through the powder.

The fast and muscular approach taken by Thomas Hlawitschka from Germany and France’s Thomas Diet impressed the crowd, but not the judges who were looking for a little more style.

And they got it from Frenchmen Victor Galuchot from Galuchot from Les Ménuires and Leo Taillefer from Val D’Isere. Galuchot took first place with a descent that began with a backflip followed by an impressive rodeo 7 on a rocky ridge.

'Today is the best contest I've ever seen' – Tanner Hall

Taillefer, who qualified for the event by virtue of winning a competition on Skipass.com, earned the second place with a Cab 5 on the start, a beautiful 360 on a rocky ridge and finished his run skiing switch (skiing backwards).

For Tanner Hall, one of three judges, the podium represented the true spirit of this competition: "Backcountry is freestyle transposed in big mountain and the two winners of the day are those who best represented this spirit.

“Today is the best contest I've ever seen! With this quality of snow, sun and the terrain, skiers could fully implement their freestyle qualities in a big mountain environment."

French judge Thomas Abouachem, meanwhile, was impressed by the venue: “Good spirit, good competition, excellent level of competitors, it's great that Vars is hosting such an event.

“It's good for the resort and I hope that it will continue because the terrain here suits perfectly this type of event."

“Tomorrow we will ski with Sage, Candide, C.R., with all the best ones!” said Galuchot. “It's really great. I'm really happy.”

Young Taillefer was almost beside himself with excitement. "I could not believe it. I skied with great pleasure and I am in the final! I am stoked!"

Both men then rode a helicopter up to the site of the final where they will compete against the 14 invited riders, including the doyen of French freestyle, Candide Thovex.