SNOWBOARD: Two-time World Champion, Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA) rider Alex “Chumpy” Pullin, finished third in the men’s final as the Snowboard Cross World Cup season wrapped up in La Molina, Spain.

The podium placing meant Pullin finished the season ranked second overall, behind Lucas Eguibar, who became Spain’s first ever snowboard cross World Cup Champion.

Pullin, a winner in Veysonnaz last weekend, had a strong day on the testing La Molina course, his second consecutive podium ending his season well.

“It was really close today, but I guess I still feel a little bit of disappointment because if I would have won I would have snatched the globe,” Pullin said.

But Lucas [Eguibar] rode really strong this season and his results means he deserve the title.”

Fellow OWIA athlete, Belle Brockhoff finished fourth after qualifying for her third consecutive women’s final.

The young Victorian’s impressive season saw her finish fifth overall in the women’s World Cup standings.

Speaking after today’s final, Brockhoff said: “I couldn’t hold onto first position from being a bit edge heavy in the soft snow in turns three and five, but I am happy with my season this year, and I already can’t wait until next season."

The women’s final was taken out by two time World Junior Champion Charlotte Bankes of France, while in the men’s Canadian Christopher Robanske won a tight final in tough conditions, following heavy snowfall in the Pyrenees.

Final World Cup standings:

Men
1st Lucas Eguibar (ESP)
2nd Alex Pullin (AUS)
3rd Nikolay Olyunin (RUS)
Women
1st Nelly Moenne Loccoz (FRA)
2nd Dominique Maltais (CAN)
3rd Michela Moioli (ITA)
5th Belle Brockhoff (AUS)

OWI