Hard Chargin' Q and A w/ Ben Richards

Huge up's to Ben on his first year on the FWT. With two fifth place finishes and a spectacular winning run in Fieberbrunn we caught up with this hard charging kiwi with a casual Q and A.

1: What was it like for your first season on the tour, camaraderie, conditions, etc, and the FWT event itself.

First year on tour has been wild. I knew things were going to be predictable unpredictable but it exceeded my expectation. Conditions not lining up led to last minute venue changes and acouple events even ran before our weather windows started. The level of riding this year was so crazy, even in bad conditions you knew everyone was gonna go crazy. It is pretty special competing on that level with a group of people who are so supportive of each other. Everyone is mates and just wants to see each other put down their best runs.

2: How was it Balancing FWT with filming other projects (I.E Optic video etc)

We really don’t have a lot of time between these events to fit in film/photo shoots so it was a bit of a hustle. Have done a very little amount of hot lapping the last few months as a result but I really enjoying filming and didn’t want to let the tour stop me from squeezing in a couple trips.

3: Any moments on tour particularly stick out either while skiing or off hill?

It would have to be both the first and last events for me that stick out the most.

First event was alittle overwhelming but ended up standing at the start gate and the only other rider there was Finn one of my best mates from home. Was a wild feeling being in such a high stress environment but feeling more comfortable as your chillin with one of your closest friends.

And the last event as all of a sudden the ride was over and we all got to celebrate the comp season together and ended up getting the overall podium which was really unexpected at the start of the season.

4: What’s on the horizon now that the tour is over! Fun summer plans? Any exciting projects or events ahead?

Going to enjoy finally getting to do something lapping at resort this spring. Planning to try get some filming done if the conditions allow for a few little personal projects but not putting to much pressure on that. Then will head back to NZ for summer/ another winter!

5: With the growth of freeride across the country any good advice for gals and guys trying to make it to the FWT stage one day like you?

If I was to give any advice I would say keep grinding. Although there is alot of young talent out there at the moment I didn’t even start freeride skiing until I was almost 20 so don’t feel like if you haven’t made it by the time your 18 doesn’t mean it’s not gonna happen. But strap in because it’s gonna be a hell of a ride.