Charlotte Bankes took gold in the latest stage of the Snowboard Cross World Cup with a dominant performance in the Chinese resort of Dongbeiya.
The fastest athlete in the field through qualification, Bankes took control of the knockout stages immediately, finishing in first place in both the quarter and semi-final contests, putting her into the Big Final line-up alongside Josie Baff, Chloe Trespeuch, and Michela Moioli.
The Big Final itself saw Bankes display her trademark speed and racing nous to power through in first place ahead of Baff and Trespeuch, with Moioli coming through in fourth spot. The result gives Bankes a first individual World Cup podium since taking bronze at the Montafon World Cup in March, a first victory since the Gudauri World Cup in the same month, and confirms her return to the top of the sport following the shoulder injury she sustained in training for the final race of last season.
After the event Charlotte Bankes commented: “I had a good day today, tight racing on quite a short course. I knew the bottom section was going to be important, but I wanted to make the most of the turns at the top knowing that’s where I could build an advantage up.
“My quarter and semi races both had good parts, but I didn’t feel they were fully executed runs. That’s what makes me even more satisfied with the final, because we knew staying in front with the draft was going to be difficult.
“Being back with the win is great. It’s not been a smooth journey, but the support from the team, especially Jerome [Choupin – GB Snowsport SBX Head Coach] has been vital to be where I’m at now. I’ve been fast in training, but it’s important to pull it off in the race where it counts.
“It was also great to see Huw’s speed in qualis yesterday, and today he was right in the mix. He’s right there, and about to pull of a really good result, and hopefully that comes tomorrow.”
Pat Sharples – GB Snowsport Head Coach added “This was another incredible win for Charlotte. Straight out of the gate she dominated the final race. It was also great to see another excellent performance from Huw Nightingale, qualifying high up in the heats and looking strong. Everything the team is showing is great to see as we move closer to the Olympics.”