OWIA/NSWIS Snowboard Cross athlete Belle Brockhoff, has made a successful return to competition, advancing through two rounds to the semi-final stage at the first of two Europa Cup events in Pitztal, Austria.
The event is Brockhoff’s first since injuring her right knee at the 2017 World Championships in March.
Brockhoff started strongly in the first few rounds of of head-to-head racing, progressing through the round of 32 and 16.
Belle elected to end her day at the semi-final round, and not compete further.
After the race Brockhoff was happy with her return.
"First race of the season went really well. I made it through every heat including advancing into semis but I decided to pull out as it was my first time in a full track and didn't want to rush things.
I felt really good on the board and worked on the things I needed to improve on as well as feeling confident that my knee can hold up pushing it at a higher intensity. Really excited for the upcoming World Cup in France! Feeling really happy to be back!"
In the men’s event, Adam Lambert was Australia’s highest placed finished in tenth, with Josh Miller close behind in 11th.
Other Australian’s who advanced through to the round of 32 stage finals included Cam Bolton in 19th and Matthew Thomas placing 20th.
With many of the best athletes in the world based in Pitztal early in the season to make the most of the resort's high alpine terrain, the field at these events often contains many top World Cup athletes.
Brockhoff and Bolton both elected not to compete in the second Europa Cup event, with the best results came from NSWIS riders Adam Dickson and Matthew Thomas, who both placed ninth. Henry Collins also made the round of 32 finals, finishing in 17th.
Andrew Pattison
OWIA
IMAGE: Belle Brockhoff in Europe © Belle Brockhoff Instagram
The event is Brockhoff’s first since injuring her right knee at the 2017 World Championships in March.
Brockhoff started strongly in the first few rounds of of head-to-head racing, progressing through the round of 32 and 16.
Belle elected to end her day at the semi-final round, and not compete further.
After the race Brockhoff was happy with her return.
"First race of the season went really well. I made it through every heat including advancing into semis but I decided to pull out as it was my first time in a full track and didn't want to rush things.
I felt really good on the board and worked on the things I needed to improve on as well as feeling confident that my knee can hold up pushing it at a higher intensity. Really excited for the upcoming World Cup in France! Feeling really happy to be back!"
In the men’s event, Adam Lambert was Australia’s highest placed finished in tenth, with Josh Miller close behind in 11th.
Other Australian’s who advanced through to the round of 32 stage finals included Cam Bolton in 19th and Matthew Thomas placing 20th.
With many of the best athletes in the world based in Pitztal early in the season to make the most of the resort's high alpine terrain, the field at these events often contains many top World Cup athletes.
Brockhoff and Bolton both elected not to compete in the second Europa Cup event, with the best results came from NSWIS riders Adam Dickson and Matthew Thomas, who both placed ninth. Henry Collins also made the round of 32 finals, finishing in 17th.
Andrew Pattison
OWIA
IMAGE: Belle Brockhoff in Europe © Belle Brockhoff Instagram
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