Dusek and Bankes return to the top in first finals of Dongbeiya double weekend

Jan 17, 2026·Snowboard Cross

Charlotte Bankes celebrates Dongbeiya victory: Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

Jakob Dusek and Charlotte Bankes both emerged atop the podium in Dongbeiya as they achieved victory in the second FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup of the 2025/26 season.

2023 World champion Dusek (AUT) claimed a dramatic win in the men’s competition ahead of Eliot Grondin (CAN) and Adam Lambert (AUS).

Great Britain's Double Crystal Globe champion Bankes found top form in the first half of this double weekend in China, with Josie Baff (AUS) and Chloe Trespeuch (FRA) completing the podium.

Dusek leads the way on Saturday

Paired together from the quarterfinal stage onwards, the men’s action was a tale of two World champions as 2023’s Jakob Dusek (AUT) and 2025’s Eliot Grondin (CAN) went head-to-head in pursuit of top spot.

It was Grondin who led the way in qualifying with 0:35.17, keeping pace early on Saturday as he found a passage to the final. But Dusek caught the attention most, pipping Grondin into second in both the quarterfinal and semifinal.

It did however prove to be a day of contrast for the French team after their stunning opening World Cup, as Jonas Chollet (FRA) found there was to be no repeat of his Cervinia debut victory in the first stage of this World Cup season. His Saturday ended in the eights, with older brother Aidan Chollet also unable to repeat his Cervinia podium heroics, missing out in the quarters. Merlin Surget kept podium hopes alive by reaching the Big Final.

There, it was Dusek who crossed the line first by the smallest of margins to complete a dramatic day of action. He got the better of Grondin, who finished ahead of Adam Lambert (AUS) and France's Surget. That third spot means Lambert leads the standings with 120 points so far.

It wasn't the best start I had to the season with injury, so to be back on top is incredible. I was a little bit behind (in the Big Final) and then tried to catch up and it worked out pretty well over the last jump and over the finish straight."– Jakob Dusek (AUT)

A group of snowboarders in bright jackets celebrate enthusiastically, posing in front of a purple podium with flags in the background.

The Austrian team celebrate Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

A second podium of the season represents a strong start for Lambert. "There was a chance I could have won the heat if I'd made a different decision at one point, but I'm so stoked to be back-to-back on the podium. We've got another race here tomorrow so let's try and make it three."

Four snowboarders racing downhill on a snowy course, dressed in colorful gear, with numbered bibs and helmets, on a clear day.

Jakob Dusek and Eliot Grondin shone during the Saturday action Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

Bankes achieves more China success

Charlotte Bankes and World Cup competitions in China - they make quite the combination. After a double victory in Beidahu last year, Bankes kept her run in the nation going with a dominant day in Dongbeiya.

The Double Crystal Globe winner crossed in a best time of 0:37.60 in Friday’s qualifier and didn’t hesitate to take that same form into Saturday. The Brit found a safe route into the Big Final despite a tough semifinal against the French duo of Chloe Trespeuch and Julia Nirani-Pereira, as well as Australia’s Mia Clift.

Three snowboarders in colorful gear race down a snowy slope, each focused and leaning into the curve, with trees and a red safety net in the background.

Charlotte Bankes leads the way during the Dongbeiya World Cup Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

The knockout stages were full of high drama, not least in a dramatic quarterfinal that saw Crystal Globe winner Lea Casta (FRA) crash out after a review. Casta – who started the 2025/26 season with victory in Cervinia – was unable to stay within the course in the aftermath of a crash, one that ultimately saw second qualifier Eva Adamczykova (CZE) also miss out.

The Big Final pitched Bankes against Trespeuch, Josie Baff (AUS) and World champion Michela Moioli (ITA), with Bankes making no mistake as she recovered from a ninth placed overall finish in Cervinia to run the show on Saturday ahead of Baff and Trespeuch. For Baff, second here moves her to the top of the standings with 140 points, ensuring Australia lead the way in both.

Two snowboarders in yellow jerseys pose with snowboards and helmets in front of a purple backdrop at a snowboarding event.

Josie Baff and Adam Lambert lead the way in the standings Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

It feels pretty cool, really good for Australia and super exciting. I haven't been in the yellow bib since my first World Cup podium so it's been a very full circle moment for me and I'm excited to be in the yellow again. – Josie Baff on leading the standings along with Adam Lambert

Three snowboarders posing on a podium, smiling widely, wearing colorful gear, with raised fists against a backdrop of a Snowboard Cross World Cup banner.

Charlotte Bankes, Josie Baff and Chloe Trespeuch celebrate their podium places Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

With the second part of this weekend still to come, can Bankes make it two wins from two? "(I'll) give it everything I've got and see what it does" said the two-time Crystal Globe winner. "The aim is to do as best as I can, so I'll do recovery this afternoon and go again tomorrow. It's nice to see I've got the speeds, it's been great fighting out there today and expect the same tomorrow."

It was a day to remember also for Trespeuch, recording a first individual podium place since becoming a mother.

It was not always easy to be back but I'm very, very happy. Thanks to the staff and my family because without them, I can't be here."– Chloe Trespeuch on returning to the podium

Belle Brockhoff brings career to a close

On this final World Cup stop prior to Milano Cortina 2026, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the career of one of Australia’s finest. Belle Brockhoff called time on her career on Friday, closing a chapter that has included three Winter Olympics, three World Championships and more than 60 World Cup showings. Thank you for creating such incredible memories, Belle.

More action ahead on Sunday

As big as Saturday’s action was, Sunday promises the same in this Dongbeiya double-header.

The much-coveted final spots for the Olympic Games will be determined in Sunday's action, as Milano Cortina moves ever closer. Pre-heats begin at 10:30 local time (03:30 CET) before finals bring the weekend action to a close at 13:00 (06:00 CET).