French prepare for snowboard Europa Cup Finals, World Cup

"Since the Games in Sochi, para-snowboarding has evolved. There is now a true European and world circuit. The fact that France and especially my home are part of that adventure is a source of real pride."

The final touches are being put to the slopes of Les Angles, France, as it prepares to host the IPC Snowboard Europa Cup Finals, which will be closely followed by a World Cup, from 8-12 March.

Some of the world’s best athletes are expected to compete, including French Sochi 2014 Paralympic silver medallist Cecile Hernandez-Cervellon, who is based in the resort.

Snowboarders will compete in snowboard-cross and banked slalom at both events, the first time France will host a World Cup.

“This represents a big challenge, both logistically and for the athletes," says Christian Femy, Sport Director of the French Handisport team. "The aim is firstly to prove that we are capable of organising a beautiful event, second to give the French the opportunity to compete at home.

“The presence of Cecile has obviously been decisive, knowing that behind her, many young people start to talk about the sport."

Hernandez-Cervellon, 40, started snowboarding in 2013 after the sport was added to the Paralympic programme. She has been helping local organisers to create exciting and professional courses for the competitions.

"Since the Games in Sochi, para-snowboarding has evolved,” Hernandez-Cervellon said. “There is now a true European and world circuit. The fact that France and especially my home are part of that adventure is a source of real pride.

“This puts of course a particular pressure but I will do everything to turn it to my advantage."

Preparation for the events began in January with the building of the snowboard-cross course. A wide slope with a lot of variation provides enough room to build a challenging course for all riders.

At the same time in the nearby resort of Formigueres, a beautiful banked slalom course is being constructed. Starting almost at the top of the mountain, the course will continue in the woods, where natural terrain and small pine trees will form the background of the fourth World Cup banked slalom races of the season.

Between 8-11 March athletes will compete in the IPC Snowboard Europa Cup Finals, followed by the third edition of the World Cup between 9-12 March.