It was a big week for Australian snowboarders as Mt Hotham hosted the annual FIS ANC SBX and Australian National Grom Championships.
From the emerging to the elite, there was something for everyone as riders of all ages and abilities took to the mountain.
Olympian Cam Bolton topped the podium in Race 1 of the men's ANC, defeating Adam Dickson and Olympian Adam Lambert.
In the women's ANC race, Christina Taylor won from Josie Baff and Jessica Dickson.
Bolton said the international competition was among the strongest he has seen at Mt Hotham.
“Normally the first couple of rounds you can relax but it started to heat up a little earlier this year,” Bolton said.
“Athletes who’ve been on the pathway for a few years are starting to get quicker and they’re keeping the national team on our toes,” he said.
The two-time Olympian won each of his heats and that set the scene for a close final.
“I had a good start and was out quick and into the lead. Adam (Dickson) was right on my hammer and drafting in the middle of the course, doing everything he could.
“He (Dickson) tried to pull up on my inside and we got the wobbles and that gave me a bit of speed and we spread back out.
“It was tight over the last three turns. Adam (Dickson) was riding really well so it was good to have that good healthy battle,” Bolton said.
Offering more than competition, the FIS ANC SBX and Australian National Grom Championships is run in conjunction with the SSA Futures Camp and this year's event saw 74 pathway athletes make the most of talent development opportunities and a chance to train alongside OWIA and NSWIS athletes. This was SSA's largest attended SBX Futures Camp and next year's event is expected to be even bigger to allow more of the SBX community to get involved.
From the emerging to the elite, there was something for everyone as riders of all ages and abilities took to the mountain.
Olympian Cam Bolton topped the podium in Race 1 of the men's ANC, defeating Adam Dickson and Olympian Adam Lambert.
In the women's ANC race, Christina Taylor won from Josie Baff and Jessica Dickson.
Bolton said the international competition was among the strongest he has seen at Mt Hotham.
“Normally the first couple of rounds you can relax but it started to heat up a little earlier this year,” Bolton said.
“Athletes who’ve been on the pathway for a few years are starting to get quicker and they’re keeping the national team on our toes,” he said.
The two-time Olympian won each of his heats and that set the scene for a close final.
“I had a good start and was out quick and into the lead. Adam (Dickson) was right on my hammer and drafting in the middle of the course, doing everything he could.
“He (Dickson) tried to pull up on my inside and we got the wobbles and that gave me a bit of speed and we spread back out.
“It was tight over the last three turns. Adam (Dickson) was riding really well so it was good to have that good healthy battle,” Bolton said.
Offering more than competition, the FIS ANC SBX and Australian National Grom Championships is run in conjunction with the SSA Futures Camp and this year's event saw 74 pathway athletes make the most of talent development opportunities and a chance to train alongside OWIA and NSWIS athletes. This was SSA's largest attended SBX Futures Camp and next year's event is expected to be even bigger to allow more of the SBX community to get involved.
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