Australian snowboard cross speedsters Josie Baff and Cameron Bolton have kicked off their seasons in impressive fashion, grabbing World Cup silver medals on the slopes of Cervinia.
With monobob racer Breeana Walker also enjoying her first World Cup podium place of the season with a bronze in Latvia, it proved a fine Saturday for Australia's winter sports stars at venues 2500km apart in Europe.
The 21-year-old Baff, who finished fourth in last season's overall standings, demonstrated her intent to go better in 2024-25 as she was just pipped for gold after a late charge for victory in the big final saw her come up half-a-board shy, just 0.05sec down, behind French teenager Lea Casta.
While the 18-year-old winner burst into tears, Baff could reflect with satisfaction on a 10th career podium finish in the season opener at the Italian resort.
“I definitely had some nerves in the first heat, and then I came into my real snowboarding in the semi-final and big-final. I really thought I could get the win in the end but Lea was just too fast and on point today, and I am happy for her to get her first career World Cup win,” said the Jindabyne racer.
Bolton, third in last year's standings, had to overcome back trouble in a chaotic 'big final' on his way to silver behind Austrian world champion Jakob Dusek later at Cervinia.
"I actually had some trouble in the semi-final and had a back spasm and wasn’t sure I was even going to be able to ride the finals, so super happy to come away with a second place,” the 34-year-old Melbourne rider revealed.
“Great start to the season and great event for Australia.”
Bolton did get some help as Canadian Eliot Grondin, last year's dominant champion, brushed boards with Dusek and went down in the final, as did Italian Lorenzo Sommariva.
Also in snowboarding action for Australia in Italy was Amber Essex, who finished 11th in a personal best finish, and Mia Clift (14th) while Jarryd Hughes was 31st and Adam Lambert 46th in the men's event.
On the Sigulda ice track in Latvia, hurdler-turned-sledder Walker took the eighth podium of her career, setting up her fine day with the second-fastest time of the first round in 53.32 seconds.
In the second and final run, the 32-year-old was fourth quickest, her two-run combined time of 1min 47.15sec putting her 0.26 seconds behind race winner Lisa Buckwitz and 0.17 down on her German teammate Laura Nollte. It leaves the Yarra Valley athlete third on the World Cup standings after two events.
“I was really happy with today. It's always a win when we are on the podium but especially here, as I really have a love-hate relationship with this track, so it’s very satisfying and a nice way to end the first half of the World Cup season,” said Walker.
“I am so grateful for all the hard work my team has put in this week to help me win this medal. You really have to work hard to get it right at this place and everyone came together like a well-oiled machine."
Sarah Blizzard finished in 17th place in her second World Cup start.
