What a spectacular race this was once again in Cervinia (ITA) on Friday, 16th December as the FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup tour made it’s return to the scenic Valle d’Aosta resort for the sixth time. After heavy snowfall during the night, we saw some spectacular racing down this long and challenging course underneath the world-famous Matterhorn, where Trespeuch and Haemmerle earned their first wins of this still young snowboard cross season 22/23.
Trespeuch back on top of the podium after two years
Friday’s big final in Cervinia saw, qualification winner Charlotte Bankes (GBR) in red, Belle Brockhoff (AUS) in green, Chloe Trespeuch (FRA) in blue, and Manon Petit Lenoir (FRA) in yellow in the big final.
After the start section it was Trespeuch who was leading the heat into the first turn, followed by the 24-year-old Petit Lenoir and the experienced Brockhoff. Bankes who pulled out of the start gate delayed was fare behind the other three women, when suddenly Brockhoff rode over the board of Petit Lenoir which led to a fall for Brockhoff.
Bankes took the chance to get in third position following the French train down the course. In the end it was Trespeuch who was leading from top to bottom and so took home her fourth career win. Her teammate Petit Lenoir got second taking home her third podium and Bankes crossed the finish line in third position.
Trespeuch was “verry happy” finally being back on top of the podium after two years and she said that her “goal of the season was a victory and sharing this with Manon is just awesome.” And she continues that her plan for tomorrow is standing on top of the podium again.
