Snowboarding
The only Swede to qualify for the Freeride World Tour 2020 was... A Snowboarder!
Yesterday, Cody Bramwell along with the daredevils competing in the 4* Freeride World Qualifier hiked up the competition venue in Hochfugen-Obergurgl, Austria. The competition is known for being one of the most intense competitions on the FWQ, and is seen as the 'Bec des Rosses of the FWQ.'
Cody was ranked number 1 coming into the rumble, and according to friends, he was beyond nervous. You see, Mr. Bramwell had a chance of qualifying last year at this very competition but unfortunately lost his way down the face.
The conditions weren't ideal, to say the least, it was hard packed and icy, and the riders were uncertain however they wanted to go or not. Luckily for them, security is always priority numero uno on events like these, and the organizers are always putting the riders first. After letting three riders go down the face, they decided that today wasn't the day to compete, as it was just too dangerous. So all of a sudden, to a lot of peoples relief, the competition was off. Seeing as Cody was ranked number one, his victory was inevitable. The first thing he did? To settle an old bet.
We're getting a hold of Cody at 06:36 am, a tired voice answers mumbling "dis es... Cuoduy..."
Top of the morning Cody! Not out of bed yet? How Come?
Well, I kind off went into celebration-mode yesterday, so this is a bit early to give an interview...
Sorry about disturbing you, but dude, you're going pro, and you're qualified for the tour. You're going to have to get used to the press.
Haha, I guess!
So Cody, tell me, when did you realize that you qualified, and what was the first thought that came to mind after that?
Well, I was standing at the top of the venue and watched the first riders go down. We were all kind of nervous about dropping in since the conditions weren't great. We knew that they might shut the competition down, and I knew that would mean that I'd win, but that thought was too big to grasp. But when they called it off, I was standing next to the top three skiers, and they instantly started screaming. It took a while for me, then I just threw my hands in the air and realized that holy shit, I made it.
What was the first thing you did after that?
Well, I, Olle Regnér and Carl Regnér made an old deal three years ago at this very place. There's this pool in the middle of the slope, and if anyone would win the competition; you had to drop into the pool, in the most refreshing way possible.
How do you feel about being the only Swede to qualify for the tour this year?
It's a big deal. I'm glad I made it, it's a shame my Swedish mates didn't get a chance to do the last competition because some of them actually stood a good chance of making it. But I'm glad I'm in, it's such a relief.
Must be tough to know that three Skiers qualify each year, but only one Snowboarder, right?
Yeah man, I mean, it's like, impossible. You can't make it on bad scores; you have to be top dog to get into the big scene. I'm kind of jealous of the skiers actually, but you have to take into consideration that more skiers are competing than Snowboarders, so I guess it makes sense after all.
What can we expect from Bramwell on tour 2020?
SOMETHING RAD!
What's your plan for the summer?
Well, I think I'll shred throughout the warm months. I might go down to NZ, but I haven't decided yet. All I know is that I'm going to up my game.
This guy is beyond worth it. To be honest, he's one of the most underrated snowboarders in the world, and it's going to be interesting to see what he can do together with the big boys on Tour next year. I wish him all the best!
Cody Bramwell is one of Sweden's most promising Snowboarders right now, and you can watch more of him shredding in the fourth episode of Hungry Swedes, together with David Deliv!
Don't know what Hungry Swedes is? Read up here!
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