MONTEC rider Sacha Balicco crowned 2026 Freeride World Tour Men’s Rookie of the Year
In his first ever season on the Freeride World Tour, French snowboarder and MONTEC rider Sacha Balicco didn't just show up. He landed on the season podium and walked away with Men's Rookie of the Year.
Sacha Balicco has been named Men's Rookie of the Year on the 2026 Freeride World Tour, capping a debut season that took him from the Challenger Series to the overall podium in a single campaign.
The 28-year-old French snowboarder, from Les 7 Laux, finished 3rd overall in the 2026 FWT standings across four stops.
His season opened with a statement run at the Baqueira Beret Pro in January. On the Tuc de Bacivèr face, Balicco linked a clean, fluid line with two stylish 360s, landing 2nd place and his first ever FWT pro podium. He backed it up with a 3rd at the Haines Pro in Alaska, an 8th at Val Thorens, and a 6th at the iconic Xtreme Verbier to close the season.
The result was no fluke. Before stepping up to the pro tour, Sacha won the FWT Challenger La Rosière event in 2025 and finished 2nd overall in the Challenger Series, earning his ticket to the main circuit.
Sacha joined the Montec team in 2025 and featured in last season's snowboard film "Generation". His approach stays grounded: "Ride with good people, enjoy the process, and keep progressing."
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