It's been an historic night with Belle Brockhoff and Alex "Chumpy" Pullin winning the Women's and Men's World Cup Snowboard Cross gold medals at the season ending event in Spain.
SNOWBOARD: It’s been an historic night for Australian Winter sport, with Belle Brockhoff and Alex “Chumpy” Pullin winning the Women’s and Men’s World Cup Snowboard Cross Gold Medals at the season ending event in Baqueira Beret, Spain.
For Brockhoff, it was her first ever World Cup victory, and after two second place podium finishes this season, the 23 year-old Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA)/New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athlete was understandably elated.
Brockhoff was unstoppable, winning both her quarter and semi-final, and after another fast start in the Final, was able to hold off all challengers to claim her biggest career highlight to date.
This victory also saw the Sochi 2014 Olympian climb the rankings to finish the World Cup season ranked third; her best result after finishing fifth last season.
Two-time World Champion and Olympian Alex “Chumpy” Pullin was equally as impressive in each of his finals.
Pullin was quick out of the gates on every occasion, including the Final, which he dominated from the outset, holding off Canada’s Kevin Hill and local favourite, Lucas Eguibar.
“I loved the course that they built here. It's been a great race. Everyone did a fantastic job, and I think we really saw that in the final of the last four guys. It's been a great finish of the season to win here in Spain. I'm already looking forward to the next year,” said the 2011 and 2013 world champion.
The 28-year-old who is based on Sydney's northern beaches finished the season ranked fifth on the world cup standings.
Results – Snowboard Cross World Cup, Baqueira Beret, Spain:
Men:
1. Alex Pullin AUS
2. Kevin Hill CAN
3. Lucas Eguibar SPA
Ladies:
1. Belle Brockhoff AUS
2. Eva Samkova CZE
3. Chloe Trespeuch FRA
Final World Cup Standings:
Men:
1. Pierre Vaultier FRA
2. Alessandro Haemmerle AUT
3. Lucas Eguibar SPA
5. Alex Pullin AUS
Ladies:
1. Michela Moioli ITA
2. Eva Samkova CZE
3. Belle Brockhoff AUS
OWIA
