A thrilling debut for Lenk on the Para Snowboard Cross World Cup circuit
Jan 25, 2025·Para Snowboard)
Lenk, Switzerland, made a memorable debut as a host on the Para Snowboard Cross World Cup circuit, delivering a challenging yet exhilarating course for the world’s best athletes. However, the weather called for adaptability, with the schedule being adjusted to maximize competition opportunities.
Anticipating unfavorable conditions on Thursday, organizers made the strategic decision to conduct qualification runs for the first Snowboard Cross race on Wednesday. This move proved wise, as Thursday’s weather rendered the course unrideable, and the Wednesday qualification results were declared the final rankings for the opening race.
Rising stars and veterans shine
This adjustment gave rising star Kate Delson (USA) her first-ever World Cup victory in the Women’s Lower Limb (LL) category. Delson outpaced seasoned podium finishers, including compatriot Brenna Huckaby Clegg and France’s Cécile Hernandez.
Speaking about the course, Delson added, “This is the best course I’ve ever ridden in my few years racing boardercross. It feels like real racing—tight turns, big berms, lots of rollers. It’s just a genuine rush and an absolute blast.”
For Cécile Hernandez (FRA), the event underscored the rise of a new generation of talent. “There’s a new generation coming—I’m old! The competitiveness with the Chinese and American girls makes it a real Snowboard Cross, the kind of racing I love to do,” Hernandez remarked.
Men’s competitions see intense rivalries
On the men’s side, the fastest riders emerged from diverse categories. Pengyao Wang (CHN) led the Men’s Upper Limb (UL) category, Tyler Turner (CAN) claimed victory in Men’s Lower Limb 1 (LL1), and Emanuel Perathoner (ITA) topped the Men’s Lower Limb 2 (LL2) standings, edging out his key rival Ben Tudhope (AUS) and Switzerland’s local favorite Fabrice Von Grünigen.
Despite heavy snowfall on Thursday, organizers worked tirelessly to restore the course for Friday’s Snowboard Cross race, which took place under ideal conditions.
“It’s a lot of fun racing here. Some family and friends came to watch,and it’slovely to be here and to have our World Cup here in Switzerland. The organizers did a fantastic job building a great course. It’s not dangerous but still super fun with lots of features. The riders I spoke to love it,” said Aron Fahrni (SUI) after his qualification run, which saw him advance to the quarterfinals in the Men’s UL category. Fahrni finished eighth in a category dominated by a Chinese podium sweep, with Lijia Ji taking the win, followed by Jian Yang and Pengyao Wang.
Strong performances across all categories
In the Men’s LL1 category, Noah Elliott (USA) triumphed in Friday’s final after finishing third in the opening race. He edged out Zhongwei Wu (CHN) and fellow American Mike Schultz, who secured his second podium of the week.
The Men’s LL2 race saw Qi Sun (CHN) take the win, with Emanuel Perathoner (ITA) and Ben Tudhope (AUS) rounding out the podium.
On the women’s side, Irati Idiakez Lopez (ESP) continued her dominant streak, claiming her second victory of the week and third of the season in the Women’s UL category. In the Women’s LL category, Cécile Hernandez (FRA) delivered a masterful performance, building momentum throughout the day to triumph in the final ahead of Brenna Huckaby Clegg (USA) and Nianjia Hu (CHN).
“It’s perfect—a sunny day after yesterday’s cancellations due to snow, wind, and fog. I’m thrilled to race here in Switzerland for the first time. The slope was amazing, and I’m so happy with this victory,” said Hernandez.
With its debut as a World Cup host, Lenk has proven itself a worthy addition to the circuit, blending thrilling competition with a stunning alpine setting.
The European tour of the FIS Para Snowboard World Cup now moves to its final stop in Kühtai (AUT) next weekend. Following that, the athletes will head to North America to close out the season, highlighted by the FIS Para Snowboard World Championships in Big White (CAN).
