The performance by the rider from Almoster was spectacular, taking significant risks to aim for the podium. She ultimately secured third place thanks to a near-perfect run and several highly complicated jumps on the legendary Basser Negre face (2,687 m).
The competition took place under excellent snow conditions, with up to 150 centimeters of fresh powder following recent storms in the Pyrenees. Castán scored 79.00 points, falling just 1.33 points short of silver, which went to Noemie Equy of France, and five points behind the gold medalist, the favorite Mia Jones from the United States.
“"I still can't believe it. It's the first World Championship ever held, and it's here, in Ordino Arcalís, right where my sports career began. The conditions were epic, and I had to give it all. I am very happy with this third place."
As a member of the RFEDI-SpainSnow Freeride national team, Castán was the main highlight of the Spanish representation. She started her run with great fluidity, executing what was likely the fastest descent through a highly technical area, connecting several impressive jumps, including a shifty.
This result provides a major boost for Castán, who admitted she was “not having much luck this season,” referring to the first two events of the Freeride World Tour (FWT) circuit, where she finished fourth and fifth in Baqueira Beret and Val Thorens. Her next race will be the third FWT event, scheduled to take place in Georgia from February 22 to 28.
