As flurries of snow cleared to bring bright skies to Tignes, 75 snowboarders took to the formidable Col Du Palet cross course to fight it out for the 2015 British Snowboardcross championships.

 

The top of the course buzzed with excitement as runs got underway, as groms, seasonaires and seasoned racers all came together to fast on their snowboards! Two timed runs qualified each of the riders into the 4x4 racing across 5 age categories. The high energy racing which makes Snowboardcross a fan favourite was present from the quarters right through to finals, but the class field made sure the racing was clean and that the fastest and most savvy racers shone.

 

 

In the men's race, it was time for last years Bronze medallist to move up a couple of notches, and into the limelight. Nineteen year old Max Thidling wasted no time in his first season of adult racing and dominated right from his first qualifying run to the overall final. Chasing him all the way was the 2014 champion Kyle Wise. Until today, Kyle held the British, Indoor, English, and Scottish Snowboardcross titles, but it was not to be his day and slow getaway in the final saw his lockout of titles come to an end in Tignes. His speed was still more than apparent, and managed to reel in 2 places after going through the first corner in last to make his way onto the second podium spot. Closing out the podium was Si Nicholson, who forwent his Masters categorisation to take on the younger men with an incredible turn of speed, claiming the bronze. Disability Snowsport UK athlete Ben Moore was competing alongside able bodied athletes, and showed off some epic speed. Without the use of his left arm, he was at an obvious disadvantage out of the gate, but once on course his incredible pace saw him into the small final, and to an 8th place finish.

 

In the women’s race, Stephanie Gehrig pulled out a full second over her fellow competitors in qually, assuring the first seed throughout the rest of the contest. She used this advantage to great effect through the races, posting a perfect run in the 4x4s. Second on the podium, Anna Richardson picked up the silver just 2 days before she turned 18. The teenager only posted the 4th fastest time in qualification, but showed some serious racing skill to make her way up to 2nd despite not having the easiest seed, and grabbed herself a shiny silver early birthday present. Coco Merz closed out the podium with a solid days racing to claim the bronze.

Stephanie was clearly buzzing with excitement after her win: “I'm so excited to win at my first BRITS, and just want to thank everyone for all the support, especially my sponsors and the British and Swiss Cross teams”

Outside of the overall category, the racing was still incredibly competitive, as groms to granddads took on the course and each other. Down in the under 12s, mini shredder Mia Brooks steered her crazy custom swallow tailed board to victory, before claiming her gold medal in rock-star shades. The men's Masters category was one of the most closely fought of the day, with locals fighting tooth and nail to claim the gold, which eventually went to Ian Sanderson. The camaraderie displayed amongst the entire field was incredible. There were hugs and kisses between the female finalists as they crossed the line, and plenty of beers and laughs at prize giving, showing that the competition stays on the course, and that the cross community is as strong as ever.

 

British Snowboardcross Championships Results

Men Women

1st – Max Thidling 1st – Stephanie Gehrig

2nd – Kyle Wise 2nd – Anna Richardson

3rd – Si Nicholson 3rd – Coco Merz

 

Get yourself over to www.the-brits.com, where you will be able to find results and picture galleries of all the Snowboard and Freeski action, as well as highlights from across the festival.

 

The BRITS would not be possible without its highly supportive partners: Route One, Whitelines, Ski Club, Snowboardclub.co.uk, Funi and British Ski & Snowboard (BSS).