Snowboard Cross returns to China as World Cup season resumes

The second FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup of the 2024/25 season gets underway in Beidahu, China, this weekend in the first Asian stop for the tour since 2021/22.

After a training day on Thursday, competition begins on Friday 31 January with qualification rounds for both men and women ahead of finals on Saturday 1 February, starting at 14:30 local time (07:30 CET). Finals on Sunday 2 February also start at 14:30 local time (07:30 CET).

Following their stellar season openers in Cervinia back in December, World Cup leaders Lea Casta (FRA) and Jakob Dusek (AUT) are hoping to again stand on the top of the podium, but they will face strong competition from the rest of the field.

Dusek looks to prolong the fun

Reigning world champion Dusek had a perfect run in Cervinia, winning every race to take only his second World Cup win of his career. Dusek said a good off-season and enjoyment of Snowboard Cross were the secrets to his success in the first outing of 2024/25.

“Once I saw the track in Cervinia I was already excited because the course layout was very similar to 2021 when I won the first World Cup in Cervinia. Then I just had fun the whole weekend. I was excited waking up to go on the mountain and race. That was the secret, but also the preparation all season long,” Dusek said.

He said he wanted to keep that sense of enjoyment alive as the tour travels to China.

Beidahu, sometimes called the ‘Whistler of China’ is a popular snowboarding destination, and is likely to be busy during the World Cup as it coincides with the Chinese New Year holiday.

Dusek said: “I’m super-excited to go to China and ride a World Cup because the last two times we were in China there was Covid lockdown and everything, and now we can experience China from a more open side. All the people are super-kind and helpful and you see a lot of snowboarders on the mountain. I hope it’s going to be a good race.”

But the season is still in its early days, and the World Cup lead could easily change by the end of the weekend. Chief among Dusek’s challengers will be Eliot Grondin (CAN), who recorded a DNF in the big final in Cervinia after touching edges with Dusek.

Cameron Bolton (AUS) was second in Cervinia for his ninth career podium, followed by Lorenzo Sommariva (ITA).

Meanwhile Martin Noerl (GER) will be hoping for a better showing in Beidahu after missing out in the quarterfinals in Cervinia on his comeback following injury. Dusek’s compatriot, Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games champion Alessandro Haemmerle, is also expected to be a contender after missing Cervinia through a back injury.

Casta confident after Cervinia crowning

The women’s big final in Cervinia was won by Lea Casta (FRA), taking her first-ever career win in a World Cup. The 18-year-old was fastest in qualification and led the big final from start to finish for an emotional career first.

“I am still very happy and it gives me a little more confidence for the next races. I am very happy and very proud of this result and I hope there will be others,” Casta said, ahead of Beidahu.

She said she had been continuing her training over the Christmas break, with a focus on her own improvement.

“There haven't been any races since then but we've done a few training camps, and otherwise I've been riding for myself,” Casta said, adding that she is targeting at least the semifinals in Beidahu.

Casta’s teammate Maja-Li Iafrate Danielson (FRA) was third for her first career podium in Cervinia, and will also be a rider to look out for in Beidahu.

Other women to watch out for include the other two big finalists from Cervinia, Josie Baff (AUS) and Charlotte Bankes (GBR), who were second and fourth respectively. Noemie Wiedmer (SUI) is currently fifth in the standings after winning the small final in Cervinia.

Facts & Figures

1: career podium for current World Cup leader Lea Casta
1: the first time Beidahu will host a Snowboard Cross World Cup
9: World Cup podiums for Dusek, including at least one in every season he has participated in

QUICK LINKS

Race Calendar
2024-25 Men's Cup Standings
2024-25 Women's Cup Standings
Start lists - Beidahu, CHN
Photos
Videos