Even though Maude’s first season on the FWT was cut short due to a knee injury, Maude proved herself as a skier to watch out for in the future… The Bruson local tells us about her first season on the Tour…
Maude Besse was first featured in Verbier Life back in 2013 when Benoit Albertini interviewed her for his series “One to Watch”, which introduced young talented skiers. Benoit asked the-then 17-year-old Maude about her future ambitions, and she spoke about hoping to participate in the FWQ (Freeride World Tour Qualifiers) with the dream of one day taking part in the FWT.
Five years on from that first interview and Maude’s dream came to life with a “wildcard” invitation for the 2019 tour. Maude charged straight into the tour at the first event in Japan winning a spectacular second place on the podium.
The FWT then moved to the Canadian resort of Kicking Horse, where she achieved ninth place. Soon after returning to Switzerland, while skiing here in Verbier, Maude unfortunately hurt her knee landing a jump. The ski season might be over for Maude, but she has proved that Benoit was right – Maude is certainly a skier to watch out for in the future…
VL: Benoit last interviewed you for the magazine back in 2013. You said your ambition was to get on the FWT tour, how does it feel to have achieved that already and what is your ambition now?
Maude: Yes, to be on the FWT was always a goal and a dream for me. At the moment, I have my sights set on the Verbier Xtreme, because it’s here on my home turf, and qualifying means I’m guaranteed a place on the Tour next year!
VL: You’ve already been to Japan and Canada on the tour. Is it everything you expected?
Maude: Yes, my FWT adventure began with those two incredible trips full of emotion. Great organisation combined with amazing conditions – I totally made the most of it.
VL: What has been the highlight so far?
Maude: When I arrived under the arch at the end of my run in Japan! Elisabeth ran up to me to tell me that I came second. It was really great to share my first podium with her!
VL: How is it competing against your friend, and fellow Swiss competitor, Elisabeth Gerritzen?
Maude: Ça me fait super plaisir de partager ma première expérience sur le Tour avec elle. Nous nous sommes toujours bien entendues. Eli m’aide aussi car je ne parle pas très bien anglais. Yann fait partie de la Crew aussi et ça promet encore de belles aventures !
VL: There must be a lot of downtime when you’re not competing – how do you fill the time?
Maude: My days are mostly taken up with skiing and training. Afterwards, I take the opportunity to spend time with my family and friends and I try to take some time for me, to recharge the batteries.
VL: What is it like skiing down Bec des Rosses for the first time?
Maude: Personally, I felt a lot of stress. It’s a very imposing face, extremely steep and with very technical sections.
VL: You unfortunately had an accident shortly after returning from Canada, what happened? How are you?
Maude: Unfortunately yes…. I hurt myself sking in Verbier landing a jump. My anterior cruciate ligament is torn and my season is over. But, I am very happy with my start of the season and I will now focus on getting better.