Tignes Airwaves – sponsored by that uberkraftig gum “Airwaves” has been on this last week at, well… somewhat logically, Tignes . The program was largely centred around the park and pipe, and the rubber clad “Airwaves Babes” (more later) but we caught the Freeride action on the vertiginous slopes of the Grapillon des Merles. The freeride section is new for 2006 and has been managed by none other than Courchevel rider Manu Gaidet, three times freeride world champion.
The riders included Val Thorens instructor Thom Diet who we covered at the Galibier Road Gap, The fabulous Gaidet brothers, Chamoniards Brice (de Nice) Rollet and 24 year old Aurélien Ducroz who won the Kirkwood leg of the freeride world tour, Swiss born but French based Séb Michaud and winner of Extreme Verbier 2005, Derby de la Meije specialist Olivier Meynet and Rossi pro Jean Michel-Goudain. The locals were represented by the Aussie Woodie Bouma riding for Salomon.
From our vantage point across the valley (long zooms and opera glasses recommended) not all went to plan. One rider got some serious air off the lip of a ridge but smashed his ski on landing. He finished the rest of a very steep slope on one foot.
Others were more fortunate, we were treated to a series of extreme runs on ski and snowboard although it was hard to know exactly who was who from across the valley. Oh and what of the Airwaves babes, well this will should get you masticating.
Further information:
http://www.tignesairwaves.com/
http://www.aurelienducroz.com/
Pictures of the tignes airwaves available here http://www.glissemag.com
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