Difficult climate and a delayed begin set the scene for an eventful second day of Snowboard Cross World Cup racing in Erzurum, Türkiye, the place Charlotte Bankes returned to profitable type. The Workforce GB rider secured her first triumph since final month’s historic Olympic gold, received with teammate Huw Nightingale, and added a twenty seventh particular person World Cup victory to her document, her second of the season after success in Dongbeiya, China.
Bankes appeared composed all through Sunday’s heats, controlling each her quarterfinal and semifinal from the entrance. The ultimate proved far tighter. After a slower launch, she labored her approach into second behind Switzerland’s Wiedmer, then moved forward earlier than being briefly overtaken by France’s Lea Casta. A robust ultimate push over the closing jumps introduced Bankes again into the lead, sealing the win in a photograph end.
“The wind and contemporary snow made issues powerful in the present day, however the volunteers did a tremendous job,” Bankes stated. “It was a good ultimate, however I targeted on staying clear on the backside and carrying pace. Actually completely happy to make that move on the road.”
With three occasions remaining, Bankes stays firmly within the hunt for the Crystal Globe. Casta, who received Friday’s race, retains the general lead on 324 factors, with Bankes shut behind on 313.
“The general continues to be huge open,” Bankes added. “I’m excited for Montafon and Mont Sainte‑Anne, there’s going to be some nice battles on the market.”
