Snowboard Cross World Cup kicks off in Montafon
It is the biggest field ever to enter a snowboard cross season opener, nation-wise. 106 riders representing 28 countries will compete in this winter's first FIS Snowboard World Cup snowboard cross event in Schruns/Montafon (AUT). On the Seebliga at Hochjoch, right in the heart of Silvretta-Montafon, an individual race is scheduled for 7th December whilst the first team snowboard cross race in Europe will be held on 8th December.
The “who is who” has been travelling the globe to compete in Vorarlberg. On the men's side, only reigning World Cup title holder Pierre Vaultier will be absent. The French rider has already taken his first on-snow turns but is still recovering from a complicated ankle injury.
Meanwhile, reigning World Champion Alex Pullin (AUS) as well as 2006 and 2010 Olympic Champion Seth Wescott (USA) will lead the pack which also features the likes of Boldykov (RUS), Holland (USA), Schad (GER) and Speiser (GER), who ranked from second to fifth in last year’s World Cup.
On the ladies’ side, three-time World Champion Lindsey Jacobellis (USA) is the only female from the 2012 top-10 who will not start in Montafon. World Cup champion Dominique Maltais (CAN), 2010 Olympic gold medalist Maelle Ricker (CAN) and Alexandra Jekova (BUL) are all ready for intense head-to-head action and fast-paced snowboarding on the course built by Anders Forsell from Sweden.
After Montafon, the tour will continue in Telluride (USA) with a combined Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard World Cup event, featuring snowboard cross competitions from 14th-15th December.
To stay tuned, visit www.fissnowboard.com
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