| It has been an historic day for Australian Winter sport, with Belle Brockhoff and Alex “Chumpy” Pullin winning the Women’s and Men’s World Cup Snowboard Cross Gold Medals at the season ending event in Baqueira Beret, Spain. For Brockhoff, it was her first ever World Cup victory, and after two second place podium finishes this season, the 23 year-old Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA)/New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athlete was understandably elated. "It was a very special and happy moment for me," Brockhoff reflected. "It was something I've been aiming for this year, and finally pulled it together at the very last race." Brockhoff was unstoppable today, winning both her quarter and semi-final, and after another fast start in the Final, was able to hold off all challengers to claim her biggest career highlight to date. The victory also saw Brockhoff climb the rankings to finish the World Cup season ranked third; her best result after finishing fifth last season. Two-time World Champion and fellow OWIA/NSWIS athlete Alex “Chumpy” Pullin was equally as impressive in each of his finals today. Pullin was quick out of the gates on every occasion, including the Final, which he dominated from the outset, holding off Canada’s Kevin Hill and local favourite, Lucas Eguibar. The victory sees Pullin improve his end of season ranking to fifth in the world. NSWIS Snowboarder Matt Thomas finished in 23rd place after placing third in his first round heat. IMAGES: TOP - Belle Brockhoff on top of the podium after winning the first World Cup of her career in Spain © FIS/Mario Sobrino BOTTOM - Alex Pullin celebrates after crossing the line in first place in Spain © FIS/Mario Sobrino |   |
 Two-time World Champion Alex “Chumpy” Pullin has finished sixth in the second of this weekend’s two races, at the Snowboard Cross World Cup event in Veysonnaz, Switzerland.
The OWIA/NSWIS athlete made great starts in both his Quarter and Semi-Finals to ensure his progress to the Big Final, but unfortunately couldn’t make it onto the podium for the second time this season. Fellow OWIA/NSWIS athlete Belle Brockhoff was unable to match her Day One performance where she finished second, as she just missed out on a spot in the Big Final after finishing fourth in her Semi-Final. Brockhoff dominated the Small Final though, crossing the line comfortably in first place to finish seventh overall. Matthew Thomas had another top 20 finish, placing 19th after reaching the Quarter Finals, while Adam Dickson was unable to progress from the eight final after crashing out in his heat. Today’s Men’s race was taken out by Spain’s Lucas Eguibar, whilst Michela Moioli of Italy took out the Women's. With one World Cup event remaining for the season in Baqueira Beret, Spain, Brockhoff is currently ranked fifth on the standings with Pullin in sixth. IMAGE: Alex Pullin fast out of the gate in Qualifying at Veysonnaz © FIS  Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA)/New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athlete Belle Brockhoff has finished second at the first of the two World Cup Snowboard Cross events over the weekend in Veysonnaz, Switzerland.
Brockhoff, who also finished runner-up two weeks ago at the World Cup event in Russia, won her quarter final in impressive fashion to qualify for the Semi-Finals. The 22 year-old finished third in her Semi-Final to qualify for the Big-Final, where she was able to hold off the rest of the field to finish second behind Bulgaria’s Alexandra Jekova. “I had a really fun day today, the racing was close and I am really happy to get another podium”, Brockhoff said. In the Men’s, Matthew Thomas was the best placed Australian finishing 16th, with Alex Pullin and Adam Dickson both eliminated in the Eight Finals. Pullin was caught in traffic and fell in his race. IMAGE: Belle Brockhoff (left) celebrates on the podium in Veysonnaz © FIS |
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