SNOWBOARD CROSS: Sochi Olympian and Snowboard Cross athlete Belle Brockhoff, has made a successful return to competition, finishing in eighth place at the first of two Europa Cup events in Pitztal, Austria.

The event is Brockhoff’s first since injuring her right knee at the 2017 World Championships in March.

Brockhoff started strongly in the first few rounds of of head-to-head racing, progressing through the round of 32 and 16.

In the semi-final, Belle was unfortunately unable to advance, after finishing fourth.

This finish put her in the small final consolation round, where she also placed fourth, giving her a final ranking of eighth.

With many of the best athletes in the world based in Pitztal early in the season to make the most of the resort's high alpine terrain, the field at these events often contaisn many top World Cup athletes.

In the men’s event, Adam Lambert was Australia’s highest placed finished in tenth, with Josh Miller close behind in 11th.

Other Australian’s who advanced through to finals include Cam Bolton in 19th and Matthew Thomas placing 20th.

A second Europa Cup event will be held in Pitztal overnight.

Andrew Pattison
OWIA