Para Snowboard Cross : Americans excel on German Snow

The weather posed challenges for the organizers of the Para Snowboard Cross World Cup in Grasgehren (GER) this week. Fresh snow, high temperatures, rain, and then more fresh snow required significant efforts and flexibility from both organizers and athletes. Despite these conditions, all scheduled competitions took place, including the International Inclusive Team Competition. This unique format featured mixed teams, each consisting of a para-athlete and an able-bodied athlete from the same nation. The event was a real success for a first attempt at this unconventional competitive format, with enthusiasm and excitement from athletes, teams, spectators, and the media.

The German leg of the Para Snowboard Cross World Cup was particularly fruitful for the American team, securing 8 podiums across the two races. Female athletes Brenna Huckaby Clegg and Kate Delson played a significant role in this achievement, both claiming two podiums in the Women Lower Limb category, including two victories for Brenna Huckaby Clegg. Swiss athlete Romy Tschopp completed the podium in the first Snowboard Cross, finishing in 3rd place. The next day, Cécile Hernandez (FRA) positioned herself between the two Americans, taking 2nd place.

"[...] It wasn’t the easiest of circumstances, but we definitely made it the best. And I’m really proud of all the women especially, that have showed up and came out here, you know, like I mentioned, it’s not the easiest of conditions… they showed up, they did amazing and I’m super excited and proud of the future of women in snowboarding." said Brenna Huckaby Clegg after her first win in Grasgehren.

Elliott Noah (USA) also achieved a double victory in the Men Lower Limb 1 category. The podium for this category was the same on Thursday and Friday, with Daichi Oguri (JPN) in 2nd place and German athlete Christian Schmiedt in 3rd place, enjoying success on home turf. Two more podiums for the American team were secured in the Men Lower Limb 2 category; the first day by Zach Miller, who finished 3rd behind Takahito Ichikawa (JPN) and Ben Tudhope (AUS), and the second day by his compatriot Keith Gabel, who finished 3rd behind Emanuel Perathoner (ITA) and Ben Tudhope (AUS), once again in 2nd place. It's worth noting that Takahito Ichikawa's (JPN) victory was the first of his career in the World Cup!

The top spots were also fiercely contested in the Men Upper Limb category. In the first Snowboard Cross, the final was between Jacopo Luchini (ITA), Maxime Montaggioni (FRA), Aron Fahrni (SUI), and Lijia Ji (CHN). The Europeans outperformed their Asian competitor, with Jacopo Luchini (ITA) securing victory ahead of French athlete Maxime Montaggioni and Swiss athlete Aron Fahrni. However, the young Chinese athlete demonstrated resilience the next day, winning ahead of the previous day's winner and Aron Fahrni (SUI), who once again finished 3rd.

The next stop for the Para Snowboard Cross World Cup is scheduled in Italy, at Colere, featuring two Banked Slalom events and a Snowboard Cross.