Xavier De Le Rue on his way to victory. Photo: Jancsi Hadik

To be honest, I was hoping this press release came with a video of the winning run like that on the women’s final did. But if there was one on Xavier’s run, I could not find it. Oh well. I take it is was rather breathtaking…

After the men’s final competition of the Verbier Xtreme 2010 was postponed Saturday, due to bad visibility, the world’s best freeride snowboarders once again took on the mythical 600 metre North face of the Bec des Rosses. In perfect conditions the riders put on the most spectacular show with the fastest and most committed edition of the 15 years of the “Xtreme”. Several first descents were opened on the face. With this high level, the battle for first was extremely tight. The breathtaking performances of Frenchman Xavier de Le Rue took him to the first step of the podium.

The win in Verbier gave enough points for Xavier de Le Rue to score top position in the men’s snowboard ranking 2010. For the third executive year, the unbeatable Frenchman was crowned World Champion. Austrian Mitch Toelderer is vice Freeride World Champion 2010, and Matt Annetts (USA) took the third step of the podium.

The Tour Top 3: Xavier, Cyril, Mitch. Photo: Christophe Margot

“I was here already 3-4 weeks ago and to inspect this line. When I came back last weekend I saw that it was in good condition. I knew it would be hairy but I felt confident. For me the most interesting aspect of the Freeride World Tour is that we inspect the faces really thoroughly. For days I concentrate on just one thing: my line, which never happens when filming or freeriding for myself. I manage to ride things I would never do otherwise. Everything in my run was meticulously planned – I knew there would be a lot of slough (surface snow sliding) as it was really steep so I needed a lot of speed and take the jump straight in the falline,” explains Xavier De Le Rue.

The Freeride World Champion was awarded with a Nissan Qashqai, and went home with $ 10 000 for the event’s victory.

Results Nissan Xtreme by Swatch, Verbier

1. Xavier DE LE RUE – FRA

2. Cyril NERI – SUI

3. Mitch TOELDERER – AUT

The Freeride World Tour Ranking 2010

Men Snowboard:

1. Xavier DE LE RUE – FRA

2. Mitch TOELDERER – AUT

3. Matt ANNETTS – USA

Women Snowboard:

1. Aline BOCK – GER

2. Susan MOL – USA

3. Nathalie ZENKLUSEN – SUI