Winter sports

FWT 2022 kicks off and MARCA goes skiing with the French legend to analyze the options of Aymar Navarro, the strongest Spaniard on the circuit

This weekend starts the 2022 edition of the Freeride World Tour, the most important extreme ski circuit on the planet. For the first time it will have a stop in Spain, specifically in Baqueira, but there will be the traditional passage through Andorra, on the impossible lines of Ordino Arcalís and the tests in Canada, Austria and the mythical final in Verbier (Switzerland).

To prepare for the landing of the most powerful freeride competition on the planet, Helly Hansen, the leading Norwegian brand in mountain and sailing clothing, organized a face-to-face meeting on the slopes of Grandvalira, which is opting to organize the 2027 Alpine Ski World Championships. with Aurelien Ducroz, a Chamonix-raised mountain legend and two-time circuit winner. They say of him that he is the best rider in history. No doubt.

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disappear instantly

The first thing you think when you put on your skis next to the French legend is that it will be impossible to follow him. Like returning a serve to Nadal, stopping a three-pointer from Curry or stopping a penalty from Cristiano. Something like trying to follow Contador when he attacked on the toughest ramps of Mortirolo in the Giro d'Italia But snow democratizes so here we go. At least our clothing is the same.

Before visualizing the first descent, Aurelien floats in the snow and you no longer see him. He waits for you downstairs. He always waits for you downstairs. With a smile from ear to ear he is so close that he is frightening. In the 'egg' (gondola lift) is a good time to chat for a while about what to expect this season in the mountains. Freeride has taken a little turn towards freestyle. Too many pirouettes? it is a matter of taste.

"Aymar is unstoppable when he is focused"

There are few left like Aurelien who gave that sensation of levitating in each line. "It is true that he has changed a bit, perhaps combining the two styles would be the most intelligent." Before starting another descent, in which you will not be able to follow him either, the Frenchman gives some keys. "70% of this sport is to observe. Look well. Study the mountain. That's key. That's where your victory begins." And he knows a bit about victories.

This year, the Spanish par excellence of the competition, dominated by the French, Americans, Austrians... is Aymar Navarro. The Aranese is barbaric. "If Aymar is focused, he is unstoppable," says the legend. "He always goes at 120% and there are times when those revolutions have to be lowered if you want to win the championship." Myth word.