World-class talent shines as European Cup season takes flight
Dec 30, 2024·Freestyle
With the FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup scheduled to start mid-January, the European Cup launched its season in Ruka, Finland, where some of the world’s best aerialists wrapped up early-season training with their first competition test.
As is tradition, many national teams headed north to the Arctic Circle for early-season preparation in Ruka. After weeks of intense training, athletes had their first opportunity to test their form during the European Cup Aerials competition, held just before the holiday break on December 13–14. The event featured a strong lineup of more than 50 athletes representing countries including Australia, Canada, the USA, Switzerland, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Japan, and Finland.
The weekend delivered thrilling action with two individual competitions for both women and men, as well as a synchronized aerials event with its exciting format.
On the opening day, Laura Peel led a dominant sweep for Australia’s Flying Kangaroos team, taking the top spot ahead of Abbey Willcox in second and Danielle Scott in third. In the men’s competition, Switzerland’s Noe Roth claimed victory, followed by Ukraine’s Maksym Kuznietsov and Canada’s Lewis Irving rounding out the podium.
Day two continued to showcase exceptional performances. Laura Peel secured her second win of the weekend, making it a perfect event for the Australian star. Canada’s Marion Thenault stepped up to take second place, while Abbey Willcox landed her second podium finish in third. On the men’s side, Canada’s Alexandre Duchaine came out on top, with Noe Roth taking second and Lewis Irving placing third.
The synchronized aerials event added a dynamic conclusion to the weekend. In the women’s synchro competition, Australia’s Airleigh Frigo and Abbey Willcox claimed first place, ahead of Canada’s Marion Thenault and Alexandra Montminy in second, and the duo of Charlie Fontaine and Elise Coleiro in third. The men’s synchro event saw Dmytro Kotovskyi and Asthon Sylwan take top honors, with a mixed team of Noe Roth and Laura Peel finishing second, and Zachar Maksymchuk and Yan Havriuk rounding out the podium in third.
For full results, click HERE.
Although the FIS Freestyle Aerials European Cup was set to continue in Airolo, Switzerland, unfavorable snow conditions led to the cancellation of the event. Organizers are working to reschedule it later in the season.
For the complete Moguls and Aerials European Cup calendar, click HERE.
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