Alpina was created to craft sturdy, strong watches able to resisting the difficult setting of the Alps. Impressed by this imaginative and prescient, Alpina makes a speciality of rugged watches for out of doors use, as we’ve seen with their newest flagship assortment – the Alpiner Excessive. Because the model has renewed its partnership with the Freeride World Tour for the 5th consecutive 12 months, we had the chance to spend a few days in Verbier to attend the season’s remaining occasion. If the competitors on the spectacular Bec des Rosses was cancelled amid ongoing snow and wind, it was the chance to find the watch launched within the body of this partnership and to fulfill the staff of Alpina skiers – particularly Max Palm, a rising star within the self-discipline.
Born in 2002, Max Palm is already probably the most awarded freeriders, while being solely twenty years outdated. In 2019, he received the Scandinavian Massive Mountain Championship, changing into the youngest skier to ever win this legendary competitors in its 28-year historical past. In 2020 and 2021, Max was topped Total Freeride Junior Tour Champion, and World Freeride Junior Champion in 2021. In 2022, the freerider left a mark on historical past as ‘‘Rookie wildcard’’ by profitable the primary stage of the FWT in Baqueira Beret, Spain, with the first-ever double backflip!
Xavier Markl, MONOCHROME – What’s your background, how did you find yourself competing in FWT?
Max Palm – I’m Swedish however have lived my complete life in France. My mother and father are mountain lovers, my dad is a mountain information and my mother is a ski teacher, my uncle is Sverre Liliequist, one of many pioneers of free-ride snowboarding in Sweden. My household has at all times helped me and pushed me to the place I’m at present. I’ve at all times beloved this sport, and I’ve discovered a lot pleasure in what I do. The adrenaline you get is loopy and I wish to hold that.
You’ve actually made a reputation for your self with the primary double backflip in world tour. How did you resolve to do this unprecedented trick and the way did you are feeling about it?
Final 12 months I received a wild card for the primary a part of the FreeRide World Tour. My dream had at all times been to do a double again flip and that day was the proper day. Every part was proper. I discovered this line and landed completely… I received the competitors. It was probably the most insane feeling I’ve ever felt. I couldn’t be happier and prouder about what I did that day.
How do you are feeling when you’re going to begin a run?
Simply pleasure! It’s a bit scary, you get some butterflies however the feeling you get at the beginning is insane. You’ve gotten a lot power. The one factor I’m considering of when I’m on the prime is getting down. I can’t wait and simply wish to ski!
What’s your relationship with time?
In our sport, time may be very treasured. Each element counts, you can’t waste any time. The snow is there only for the winter. As an illustration, we at all times need to be on time, and trip on the good second. The identical goes for competitions, it’s a must to be on time within the morning.
How did you come into contact with Alpina and what does it imply to you?
I received in contact with Alpina final 12 months. My agent has been working with the model with different athletes. Many buddies have been driving for Alpina and I’ve seen these lovely watches on their wrists. I really like these, I feel they’re tremendous cool. I used to be fortunate sufficient to get into the staff, I’m tremendous proud!
Which Alpina do you put on?
The brand new Alpina Excessive. I like it. It’s easy, basic. I like that it simply reveals the time and the date, it appears superb with a little bit of classic type. Tremendous sick!
What’s your subsequent problem or your dream?
My dream is in fact to change into the World Champion of the Freeride World Tour. However most significantly, I simply really feel my largest dream is to by no means lose the enjoyment of snowboarding, and simply really feel like a child even if you end up 40 years outdated. I simply wish to be that comfortable particular person while you put your skis on!
The Alpiner Excessive Automated Freeride Worldtour
The Alpiner Excessive is a do-anything go-anywhere out of doors watch impressed by a mannequin from 2005 and reintroduced in 2022. The “FreeRide World tour” version is available in a 41mm x 42.50mm metal case. Its black dial with a triangle sample is emblazoned with the competitors’s emblem. You may learn our introducing article right here.
Fast info: metal case – 41mm x 42.50mm x 11mm – AL-525 automated calibre (Sellita SW200-1), 4Hz frequency, 38-hour energy reserve – rubber strap and folding buckle – EUR 1,595
For extra data, please go to www.alpina.com – Credit score for Max Palm photos: DomDaher
https://monochrome-watches.com/interview-free-rider-max-palm-xtreme-freeride-verbier-alpina-watches/