Snowboard Cross season opens in frozen Pyhä
Jan 20, 2025·Para Snowboard
The Finnish resort of Pyhä marked the start of the Para Snowboard Cross season, hosting both the European Cup and World Cup circuits on January 18 and 19. Local organizers once again delivered a high-quality, challenging course. However, freezing temperatures made their presence felt, causing disruptions.
After a successful official training session on Friday, the combination of an overnight deep freeze and strong winds transformed the Snowboard Cross track into an icy challenge reminiscent of a Red Bull Crashed Ice course. These conditions deemed the course unsafe for competition, leading to the cancellation of Saturday's race. The day was instead dedicated to track maintenance to ensure a safe and fair start on Sunday.
When the action resumed, Chinese and North American delegations stole the show, delivering standout performances during the first Snowboard Cross races of the season.
In the Men's Upper Limb (UL) category, China’s young talents proved formidable opponents for their experienced competitors. Twenty-two-year-old Lijia Li (CHN) clinched victory in the grand final, ahead of Italy’s Jacopo Luchini (ITA), 34, and compatriot Zihao Wang (CHN). China’s strength was further highlighted by Pengyao Wang and Jian Yang, who finished within the top five.
In the Men's Lower Limb 1 (LL1) category, experience took center stage as Daichi Oguri (JPN), 44, secured the win. He triumphed over the reigning crystal globe holder Tyler Turner (CAN) and China’s Zhongwei Wu (CHN).
The Men's Lower Limb 2 (LL2) category saw one of the most thrilling finals of the weekend. Ben Tudhope (AUS) emerged victorious in a nail-biting race, narrowly edging out Alex Massie (CAN) and reigning globe holder Emanuel Perathoner (ITA).
In the Women’s Lower Limb (LL) category, familiar names were joined by new faces. The 20-year-old American Kate Delson celebrated her first podium finish of the season, taking third place behind Cécile Hernandez (FRA) and category leader Brenna Huckaby Clegg (USA). For Huckaby Clegg, this marked her first World Cup start of the season.
The world’s best Para snowboarders will remain in Europe for the next stop on the Snowboard Cross calendar, with two more races scheduled on January 23 and 24 in Lenk, Switzerland.
