Snowboard Cross preps for season opener in Cervinia

Dec 12, 2024·Snowboard Cross

The 2024-25 Snowboard Cross World Cup season commences in Cervinia this weekend. The world’s best racers return to the dynamic action of Snowboard Cross as they take on the slopes of the Italian Alps.

The riders will begin with an official training day on Thursday then qualifying heats on December 13. The fastest times will qualify to the knockout round finals on December 14.

There will be plenty of big names competing to begin the season atop the podium. Defending overall champion Eliot Grondin (CAN) and 2023 champion Charlotte Bankes (GBR) return as formidable favourites. Their road to glory begins in Cervinia.

Bankes leads the way on women's side

Bankes will not have an easy journey to the top. However, she could get a good start as two top contenders Chloe Trespeuch (FRA) and Eva Adamczykova (CZE) are taking time away from the sport as they are expecting.

Bankes will still face stiff competition from a deep field led by Michela Moioli (ITA) who will have the home crowd behind her. The Brit knows she will need to be at her peak performance.

“I think it will always be a big battle, and that’s what I look forward to. I know that even if some girls are taking a year out, it will only mean the girls will be even hungrier and the battle will be as intense as ever,”– Bankes said.

The experienced rider said she did not change much this offseason, making a few minor adjustments in her preparation for the season opener. A good start in Cervinia will be key for Bankes’ lofty goals this season.

“World championships will be a big goal certainly after the disappointment in the individual 2 years ago. We will try and do our best in defending our title in the team event. But as soon as I’ve got a bib on I’m out there to try to win, so each World Cup will be important and I want to be part of the battle for the Crystal Globe. It’s therefore a big year ahead and I'm really looking forward to it,– Bankes said.

Grondin returns hungry for more

Bankes is not the only one with high expectations. On the men’s side Eliot Grondin (CAN) dominated the field last season on his way to the title and wants more trophies

“I would love to win another globe because to me, it means that I have been consistent all season. I have never won a World Championship so obviously, I would be happy to win a title,”– Grondin said.

The Canadian won seven of the 12 races last season and reached the podium in ten. What was the key to his success?

“I was able to better manage my energy following the races that I won so that I could recover for the following race. It was also my mindset, being confident and calm in the gate. I was able to better manage my races,”– Grondin said.

Grondin is not satisfied with near perfection in the previous campaign, he knows he can strive for more. His preparation remains the same as his team is pushing for the top of the podium in every event.

The field will be hunting Grondin, attempting to knock him off his lofty perch.

Martin Noerl (GER) missed much of last season due to injury but returns this season looking to prove he still belongs amongst the contenders. The 2022 and 2023 overall globe winner will be a key name to watch in Cervinia.

Olympic champion in 2022 Alexander Haemmerle (AUT) will miss the event with a back injury. The issue caused him to miss some time last season as well but, Haemmerle is aiming to return at the next event. Italian favourite Omar Visintin (ITA) will be in podium contention as well.

The action begins on the morning of December 13 for qualifying. The riders will return for the finals beginning at 12:30 CET on December 14.

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