SNOWBOARD CROSS WORLD CUP. Dominique Maltais (CAN) and Luca Matteotti (ITA) have claimed victory in the second snowboard cross race of the 2011 LG Snowboard FIS World Cup. The Canadian rider celebrated her second win within less than 24 hours after having also won yesterday’s snowboard cross season opener which was also been hosted on the 1,250 metres long Schlegelkopf course in Lech am Arlberg, Austria. Her team mate Maelle Ricker came in second, just like yesterday. Alexandra Jekova of Bulgaria finished third. On the men’s side, Luca Matteotti was able to bring home a historic win in his first World Cup final ever. After a waiting time of five years, the Italian secured a long-desired triumph in the Snowboard Cross Word Cup for his national team. Australia’s Alex Pullin, who was the best qualifier, ranked second while Paul-Henri De le Rue of France rounded out the podium as third.

Sani Jekova on the Podium! foto (c) Oliver Kraus/FIS

After his ride to victory, which moved his head coach Luca Pozzolini to tears, Matteotti could hardly believe his luck: “This is unbelievable. I don’t know what to say. It was a hard fight for the victory.” An apt analysis as the 21-years-old youngster had been in a close duel with Alex Pullin all the way down to the finish line. While the boarder from down under got out of the first turn in the leading position, the Italian never gave up, fought back, put the Aussie under pressure and finally took over the lead.

“It was a tough duel. But it was lots of fun racing against Luca. He rode so well,” Pullin showed Matteotti respect. “I made a tiny mistake and he was there doing everything right. He deserved the win.”

In the end, Matteotti not only secured his first win in his tenth World Cup start but also his place in the snowboard cross history books being another Italian to take the top spot after Alberto Schiavon was the last of the team to podium first in Whistler 2005. “I believed in my chance. After all, I was third in the time trials. I had a fast board and was hoping and going for it.”

Maltais with back-to-back win

Dominique Maltais had also strapped on a fast board again. Just like yesterday, the 30-years-old decided the ladies’ final in the start section. After the first turn, the 2006 Olympic Bronze medallist was comfortably in front keeping hold to the lead until the finish. It was an incredible performance which was rewarded with the maximum of points and thus the World Cup lead after two physically very challenging days in Austria.

Alex Jekova third on the podium! foto (c) Kilian Albrecht

“I was working very hard for this all summer long. I was never in such a good shape before,” Maltais said. But the back-to-back win in Austria is also redemption for the muffed last season. “I had a lot of bad luck. So, I was waiting for this moment very long. It’s amazing to start the season with two wins, thus being rewarded for all the hard work.”

The LG Snowboard FIS World Cup continues in Telluride, Colorado. From December 15th till 18th, one Parallel Giant Slalom, one Snowboard Cross and one team Snowboard Cross are scheduled.

FISsnowboard.com
Wednesday 8 December 2010