Mann shakes up World Cup podium in La Molina

The USA’ Mark Mann shook up the podium after winning the men’s snowboard-cross SB-LL1 big final on Thursday (16 February) on day two of the Para snowboard World Cup in La Molina, Spain.

Coming off a bronze medal from the World Championships in Big White, Canada, and another third-place finish from Wednesday’s opening day, Mann defeated Austria’s Worlds silver medallist Reinhold Schett. The victory strengthens Mann’s No. 1 hold in the overall World Cup standings.

The Netherlands’ reigning world champion Chris Vos won the small final for third place.

Mike Minor, Lisa Bunschoten and Matti Suur-Hamari all added to their victories from Wednesday.

The newly crowned snowboard-cross world champion Minor contributed to the USA’s success with a win in the men’s SB-UL. The 26-year-old beat France’s Maxime Montaggioni, moving further clear at the top of World Cup standings. Italy’s Manuel Pozzerle again reached the podium with third place.

Bunschoten defeated Spain’s Astrid Fina Paredes in the big final of the women's SB-LL1, as the Dutch athlete cemented her spot in the World Cup top three standings. Her compatriot Renske van Beek was third.

Once again, it was Suur-Hamari against the USA’s Evan Strong in the men’s SB-LL2. Again, the Finnish rider landed the maximum World Cup points, proving why he is the gold medallist from the World Championships in Big White, Canada. Strong’s teammate Keith Gabel finished ahead of Great Britain’s Owen Pick for the last podium spot.

France’s two-time silver medallist from Big White 2017 Cecile Hernandez-Cervellon sealed the women’s SB-LL1 race, and the USA’s Peggy Martin hauled the maximum World Cup points in the women’s SB-UL.

Two days of banked slalom races now follow in La Malina, as racing continues on Friday (17 February).

Live results are available at www.worldparasnowboard.com.