Gremaud and Svancer open season with Big Air Chur victories
Oct 18, 2024·Freeski Park & Pipe
Switzerland’s Mathilde Gremaud once again showed the world that she is the woman to beat in freeski big air, as last season's crystal globe winner claimed the win in the first event of the FIS World Cup season in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
The 24-year-old took an early lead in the women’s big air event at Big Air Chur 2024 on Friday as the top qualifier before winning the final thanks to a first-run score of 91.25.
Gremaud’s winning run hinged on the precision of her left 1260, with the judges rewarding her for the smooth technicality of her opening run.
In her second run Gremaud scored 87.25 with a switch 1080, effectively cementing her victory and defending her title before her third run, where she dropped a victory lap left 360 tweaked mute for the crowd.
“There is no better feeling,” she said after finishing her the night with combined score of 178.50 for the win.
The La Berra skier admitted to being affected by nerves in the lead-up to Friday’s event.
“I was actually super nervous last week and I didn’t really realise why.
“In the end, when I got here it was so nice and I was super excited. It’s even more nice to be able to win at home.”
Gremaud indicated her performances on Friday are a taste of things to come for the rest of the 2024/25 FIS Freeski big air World Cup season.
“I want to do some new tricks, probably new tricks and try to step up my own level, so I’m hoping to do it this season,” she said.
Italian teenager Flora Tabanelli was runner-up, trailing Gremaud with a score of 161.00, putting her ahead of third-placed German Muriel Mohr’s score of 143.75.
On the men’s side, Austria’s Matej Svancer claimed victory after overtaking Tormod Frostad (NOR) in the third and final run. Frostad’s first-run high score of 95.50 for a switch right tailbutter triple cork 1260 safety gave him an early lead, but Svancer ultimately took the win with a total score of 186.00 compared to Frostad’s 178.00.
Twenty-year-old Svancer admitted the new trick that earned him victory is one he learned after arriving in Chur ahead of Friday’s competition.
In his first run Svancer put down a left nosebutter triple cork 1620 safety, followed by a switch left tailbutter triple cork 1260 safety in his third run.
“It feels pretty insane. I learned the last trick during training out here, so I’m stoked it worked out,” Svancer said.
Canada’s Dylan Deschamps finished third with solid second and third runs of 86.50 and 85.75 respectively for a total score of 172.25.
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FACTS & FIGURES
Mathilde Gremaud (SUI) has won nine big air FIS World Cup events, bringing her podium finishes to 13.
With her win on Friday, Gremaud joins Tess Ledeux (FRA) and Birk Ruud (NOR) at second on the all-time FIS Freeski victory rankings with 14
Matej Svancer (AUT) has won three big air FIS World Cup events, with two of those victories coming in Chur
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