SNOWBOARD: Australia's best snowboarders will be descending on Hotham Alpine Resort this Monday to contest the FIS Australian New Zealand Cup Snowboard Cross Event.

World number one and Australia's highest profile male rider, Alex "Chumpy" Pullin, will be out to add another trophy to his cabinet after winning the past two World Championships and countless World Cup events.

Pullin has his eyes set firmly on the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics after qualifying second at the February test event in Sochi before placing fifth. Pullin was also the number one qualifier in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics before exiting the event early after a mistake. His rivals know he always has speed and if he can stay out in front and out of trouble during the heats he is sure to be a big favourite to win the Hotham event.

Fellow Australian team member Cameron Bolton will be a strong contender and will be keen to improve his world ranking from his current 32nd position. Bolton has had his best year on the World Cup circuit and is improving every year. With Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics a goal of every athlete to attend his campaign could start at this year's Suzuki Australian New Zealand Cup.

Hotham has been blanketed with some exceptional snowfalls this past week and the weather outlook is generally fine weather for the start of the two days of racing. More than 81cm of snow has fallen this past week and the entire resort is in full operation. With the Rider Cross course in prime viewing area under the Road Runner chairlift there is sure to be a good crowd to witness all the action.

Snowboard X has become one of the most exciting sports to watch as riders qualify with an individual time trial before competing in heats of four through the roller coaster weaving course. Speed is essential to keep your nose out in front and avoid any carnage as the riders speed down the course at close quarters. The top two riders from each heat keep progressing through until the four man final.

You can see all the excitement of the Australian New Zealand Cup Snowboard Cross Event on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 August at Hotham.