Season's Snowboard Cross European Cup concludes in Lenk (SUI)
Apr 15, 2024·Snowboard Cross
The top athletes of the Snowboard Cross European Cup convened in Lenk, Switzerland during the third week of March, from the 21st to the 22nd, for the final two races of the winter season. Simmen Valley welcomed back the EC finals on the Hasler slope at Betelberg after a year-long hiatus. A total of 106 athletes representing 12 nations participated in both races, treating spectators to an exciting showdown.
On Thursday, the women's big final saw Caterina Carpano (ITA) taking the lead, followed by Noemie Wiedmer (SUI) in 2nd place and Lyse Laine (FRA) finishing as 3rd. In the men’s event, it was an all-Italian affair, with Filippo Ferrari clinching 1st place ahead of Matteo Menconi and Matteo Rezzoli.
Friday's races brought different winners. Maja-Li Iafrate Danielsson (FRA) secured her second EC win of the season, while 2nd and 3rd place went to Caterina Carpano and Marika Savoldelli from Italy, respectively. The men's big final was all-Italian. Matteo Menconi secured victory, with Devin Castello finishing as 2nd, and Michele Godino taking 3rd place.
This season's European Cup tour consisted of 14 races held in France, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Germany, and concluded with the finals in Switzerland. Athletes showcased a remarkably high level of racing in the brackets. "I am truly pleased with the progress of European Cup Snowboard Cross athletes this season. We had fantastic races at 7 different venues," said Riccardo Chiminazzo, FIS European Cup SBX Coordinator. "Athletes from 9 different nations finished in the top 3 spots. The future of our discipline looks promising, with very talented young athletes who will continue their sport careers on the World Cup tour in the upcoming seasons," Chiminazzo added.
In the women’s category, 16 years old Swiss athlete Noemie Wiedmer dominated and clinched the overall title with 6 victories and 8 podiums this season. Second and third place went to France, to Maja-Li Iafrate Danielsson and Felicie Leicht.
The overall winner in the men’s category became Germany's Kurt Hoshino, with three podium finishes during the season. Just 44 points behind him, Austrian Elias Leitner, secured 2nd place, while 3rd place was locked by Achille Leleu from France.
As the season wraps up, we would like to congratulate all the young athletes for their exceptional performances in this season's European Cup Snowboard Cross races.
