A journey full of delay
The Catalan Freerider Núria Castán Barón, representative of the RFEDI, has overcome the adversities in the competition held in Fieberbrunn, Austria. Despite the harsh conditions of snow and fierce competition, Castán has won a prominent fourth place that will allow him to compete in the Verbier finals and secure his place in the Freeride World Tour next season.
Competition and strategy
With a difference of only 575 points with the Canadian Audrey Hebert, Núria came to the competition with the need to perform an exceptional performance. On a day marked by the inclement weather and the lack of snow, riders were forced to adapt their strategies to the changing conditions of the mountain.
Adaptation to the conditions
On March 6, male competencies were suspended due to snowfall forecasts that could improve conditions. This meant that women, including Castán, had to face a hard and complicated surface, which made it difficult to recognize the previously studied lines.
The decisive moment
At a key moment, Núria decided to change line before one of her jumps, a risky play that was decisive. With a score of 63.33, he was temporarily placed in first place, surpassing his rival Audrey Hebert, who ended with 60.00 points. The final victory was for French Noémie Equy, with 83.33 points.
Looking to the future
With a total of 17,920 points, Núria Castán not only secured his participation in Verbier, but also obtained the standings for the Freeride World Tour of the 2025/2026 season, leaving behind the Canadian Erin Sauve.
Post-Competence Reflections
After the competition, Castán expressed his satisfaction with the result, emphasizing the difficulties he had to overcome: “The conditions were complicated, but I am happy with the result. I have been able to qualify for the finals and next year at the Freeride World Tour.”
The Futur del Freeride
With the freeride increasingly present in the agenda of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, and with the aim of integrating this discipline in the 2030 Winter Olympic Games in France, cases like that of Núria Castán are an example of how women can shine in this sport. The Women and Snow Project of the Higher Sports Council seeks to promote female participation in various disciplines, hoping to see more success in the future.
The continuity of the competition
The men’s competition will resume next week, hoping that weather conditions will improve. Abel Moga, another of the athletes in competition, will seek to follow the steps of Castán and secure his place in Verbier for next season.
