OWI/AIS Head Snowboard Coach Ben Wordsworth continues his reports from the Australian alps with this wrap up of the Mt Hotham snowboard cross Continental Cup events

Last weekend, Mt Hotham hosted one of the highest-level snowboard cross races ever seen in Australia, with several international teams competing. The standard of the event and competition was at its highest, with a technical 51 second course and a handful of athletes who are currently ranked in the top 16 in the world.

Riders from Canada, the Czech Republic, Japan and Australia all battled it out for the top positions over the double Continental Cup race. OWI athletes Alex Pullin and Damon Hayler raced well over the two-day event, but were unable to make the podium.

Both riders are well into their training mode and said that the race was a set up event for them to learn more about the international riders. They will continue training in Australia before they head to New Zealand and Argentina to start their World Cup season.

SSA rider Steph Hickey raced well over the double event, making the podium against two of Canada’s top World Cup riders.