Press Release

SWATCH FREERIDE WORLD TOUR 2017 RIDERS’ ANNOUNCEMENT – THE OFFICIAL ROSTER OF RIDERS FOR THE 2017 TOUR IS NOW AVAILABLE!

Lausanne, – September 22, 2016 – The complete list of finest riders on the world’s premier competitive freeride tour is now available. Get the first glimpse of the world’s top athletes that will be participating on the 10th edition of the five-stop FWT at www.freerideworldtour.com.

The competition will be even more intense this year as the most promising generation of up-and-coming talent from the Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) will showcase their skills against the top riders of the elite tour. The 2017 season will continue the saga of progression in the sport as established riders attempt reinvent their game and retain their throne or face relinquishing it to the next generation of freeriders.

Snowboard Women Anne-Flore Marxer (SUI/FRA) will once again be hungry for the title of world champion as she presses Elodie Mouthon (FRA) and attempts to recapture the world title. Returning American star Shannan Yates (USA) will have to use her experience to defend against the tenacity of the incoming riders Audrey Hebert (CAN) and Manuela Mandl (AUT). Ski Women This year could be ripe for a shake-up as longstanding champions like Eva Walkner (AUT) and Jackie Paaso (USA) face intense competition from FWQ skiers Elisabeth Gerritzen (SUI) and Kylie Sivell (CAN). Fresh on the FWT last year but finishing strong, Arianna Tricomi (ITA) is also to be watched.

Snowboard Men An established American presence will be felt again this year with the likes of Ralph Backstrom (USA) and Sammy Luebke (USA) posing a formidable challenge to younger European riders like Thomas Feurstein (AUT) and French sensation Camille Armand (FRA).

Ski Men All eyes will be on the rising star, Logan Pehota (CAN), who was narrowly edged out of top spot on the podium by returning champion, Loïc Collomb-Patton (FRA) on the 2016 FWT. The question remains: can the upcoming posse of crossover FWT riders like Carl Renvall (SUI) and Sam Lee (NZL) oust these experienced champions?

Stay tuned to www.freerideworldtour.com and FWT social media channels for up-to-date competition information and news about FWT riders. THE FWT 2017 CALENDAR

JANUARY 28, 2017 – -MONT-BLANC, – THE WINTER BEGINS

FEBRUARY 11, 2017 – VALLNORD-ARCALÍS, ANDORRA – HOLD THE LINE

MARCH 4, 2017 – FIEBERBRUNN, – CRUNCH TIME

MARCH 17, 2017 – HAINES, ALASKA, USA – THE DREAM STOP

APRIL 1, 2017 – VERBIER, SWITZERLAND –THE GRAND FINAL

Picture Selection

Please mention the copyright: freerideworldtour.com / Photographer's name Swatch Swatch, launched in 1983 by Nicolas G. Hayek, is a leading Swiss watch maker and one of the world's most popular brands. The first Swatch watches surprised everyone with their revolutionary concept, creative design and provocative spirit. Today Swatch continues to innovate and surprise with new models, collections and special editions. The brand maintains a strong presence in the world of sports with its commitment to , freeskiing, surfing, beach volleyball and Mountainbike Dirt Jump. Right from the start, Swatch connected with art and artists, and Swatch watches remain a prominent canvas for artists from a broad range of disciplines. www.swatch.com

FWT Management SA FWT Management SA, based in Lutry/Lausanne-Switzerland, is organizing world- class sports events in mountain resorts and regions since 1996. Founder of “Xtreme Verbier” – iconic event in freeride skiing & snowboarding –, FWT Management SA has taken the stand-alone Xtreme Verbier event to create in 2008 Freeride World Tour (FWT), Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ), Freeride Junior World Championships (FJWC) and a Freeride Skiing Team Competition (Skiers Cup) with events in Europe, North America, South America and Oceania. FWT Management SA is the sole and exclusive organizer of the above mentioned events. www.freerideworldtour.com

©2016 FWT Management SA | 9 rue Voisinand, 1095 Lutry – Switzerland

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