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After an incredible World Cup season, triple Paralympian Ben Tudhope has claimed the Para Snowboard Cross and Para Snowboard Crystal Globes.
It was a huge season for the 23 year old, picking up five gold, three silver and one bronze medal across five World Cups.
With the Para Snowboard World Championships less than a week away, it puts Tudhope in a strong position as he looks to cap off the international season strongly.
Overnight Tudhope claimed silver in the Dual Banked Slalom, after earlier in the week taking the gold medal in the Snowboard Cross in Passo San Pellegrino (Italy).
Speaking from Italy following his gold medal win, Tudhope reflected on his incredible season.
“I’m so stoked to have got this victory… to stand on every single podium in the border cross this season is an absolute honour because it’s tough racing,” he said.
“There’s a lot of people out here that are pushing the limit and pushing my limit, so to still be on top is absolutely incredible.
“It sets me up well for my goal at World Champs. I’m just enjoying the ride and truly loving snowboarding, because that’s the main thing it’s about,” said Tudhope.
The course in Italy really tested competitors, but Tudhope said he welcomed the challenge.
“The race in San Pellegrino was pretty good… we have had some courses that have only been 30 to 40 seconds, so it‘s nice to get a course that’s over a minute longer and do some really good heats,” he said.
“I was feeling pretty good in training and before the event, but to be completely honest, on race day I wasn’t feeling it.
“I wasn’t feeling amazing… and I didn’t nail the start all day, which was really annoying me. But then finally I pulled it together in the final and got one of the best starts that I’ve had all week.
“All the time on this course I was able to put myself up first and lead from the beginning and then I just tried to hold my line. I knew if I could get around that second turn and not get overtaken I pretty much had it in the bag so very nice,” he said.
Tudhope will now head to the Para Snowboard World Championships in La Molina Spain, with the competition to be held 9-17 March.
Ben’s World Cup Results
Big White (Canada): Banked Slalom, 2 x silver medals
Pyha (Finland): Snowboard Cross, 2 x gold medals
Cortina (Italy): Snowboard Cross, bronze and gold medals
Grasgehren (Germany): Snowboard Cross gold medal
Passo San Pellegrino (Italy): Snowboard Cross gold, Dual Banked Slalom silver
By: Snow Australia
Posted: 6 March 2023
Image: Snow Australia
