Alex “Chumpy” Pullin has continued the sparkling form that took him to first place in snowboard cross qualifying at the Vancouver Olympics, but this time he has gone on to seal the deal, winning the first World Cup event of his career.

Competing in Valmalenco, Italy, Pullin could only manage 16th place in qualifying, but then rode brilliantly throughout the finals action, winning every encounter except the round of 32.

The 22-year-old AIS scholarship athlete had made the World Cup podium just once before, collecting bronze in Gujo-Gifu, Japan, in February 2008.

But his form in the lead-up to Vancouver 2010 was strong, with two fifth place results to his credit.

“I told him he needed to go and dominate, to follow up on the Games, and that’s what he has done,” said AIS Head Snowboard Coach Ben Wordsworth.

“He wanted to show them that Vancouver wasn’t a one-off, that he is a credible snowboarder who can be up with the best of them.”

“And this wasn’t a soft event. All the top riders except a couple were there, so it’s a great performance.”

The result lifts Pullin to number three in the world, with the second spot on the world rankings well in reach if he can produce another strong result at the one event remaining in the season.

Pierre Vaultier of France leads the standings on 4950 points, with US rider Graham Watanabe in second place on 2570 points, while Pullin is on 2380 points. Riders earn 1000 points for a win.