Chill Factore in Manchester witnessed some nail biting racing as the rising stars of ski and snowboard cross took to the slopes at the English Ski and Snowboard Cross Championships.
In the fourth year of the event, standards were high as over 75 athletes came to battle it out on the expertly built course. With world class athletes taking part, including riders who have competed at Europa Cup, World Junior Championships and Youth Winter Olympic level, the competition was fierce and the event showed just how much momentum ski and snowboard cross is gaining in the UK.
In two hotly contested Ski Cross finals, the winners were two members of the National Academy for Ski Cross. For the men, the strength and depth of the men’s field was really apparent this year, but in the end it was Will Wheeler who beat Richard Goldsworthy and 2015 English Indoor Champion Laurence Willows down into second and third respectively. In the woman’s race, Emma Peters took her fourth consecutive English Indoor Championship title, beating Isobel Brown into second and Aimee Pullan into third.
For the snowboarders, Kyle Wise dominated the field again, taking the English Indoor title for the fourth time in a row. This year he was pushed hard by Bradley Gaulter who has been competing on the FIS circuit. At the finish line Bradley claimed second behind Kyle, with Paul Moralee in third. In the women’s contest, it was Hollie Smith who was crowned English Indoor Champion after a close contest with second placed Eleanor Harris and in third place was Luca Mai Lane Hopkins.
Snowsport England Talent Development Officer Ian Findlay said: “I was blown away with the level of talent on display. The younger riders we first met four years ago when this event was set up are now really stepping it up and challenging the established athletes. All of the finals produced really close racing, which was exciting for the athletes and spectators alike.”
Up next in the third English Indoor Championships series is the English Indoor Slopestyle Championships. Taking place on 25th June, again at Chill Factore, the event will see the best rising domestic park and pipe talent on display.
The Snowsport England event is open to all levels of riders, whilst at the same time being competitive for the skiers and snowboarders who are looking to top the podium. New for 2016 are revised age categories, as well as new partner the Ski Club of Great Britain providing insurance for the under 16 winners. Ripperz will continue to provide the administration for the events.
To take part in the event, all athletes have to register online and pay a entrance fee of £35 per event. Athletes can register here: https://form.jotform.com/315757455766972
The British Indoor Ski and Snowboard Cross Championships will be back on Sunday 27th August at Chill Factore. For more information visit the official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BritishChampionships/