Zoe Gillings takes Snowboard Cross Silver in Japan
Zoe Gillings, Britain’s number one Snowboardcross athlete continued her season’s storming success on Friday, when she finished in second place at the FIS World Cup Snowboardcross competition in Japan.
Following her fourth place result at last weekends World Cup event in Korea, Zoe firmly had her sights set on a podium finish in her next World Cup competition. Today in Japan, Zoe made that happen when she successfully knocked out a multiple of World Class riders to take silver, moving her into fourth place in the World Cup Rankings.
Charging her way through to the finals despite the changing snow conditions, Zoe demonstrated her strength and ability, as she headed into the final heat against Lindsey Jacobellis (USA), Maelle Ricker (CAN) and Mellie Francon (SUI). From the start of the final, Zoe had a disadvantage due to her allocated lane but stayed strong and showed her experience by passing Mellie Francon in the first burm. Zoe subsequently passed Lindsey Jacobellis securing a well fought out and deserved second place.
Zoe, who was all smiles after the race, commented, “Woohoo” I’m stoked, its amazing to be back on the podium, and I’m really please I was able to pass two girls and catch up a little bit to Maelle, I’d really like to take gold next time”
British World Cup Snowboardcross team member, James Foster also competed in Japan and finished in a respectable 44th place out of 60 competitors.
Zoe Gillings will next be heading out to Lake Placid, USA on Saturday (1st March) to compete in the seventh FIS World Cup event of the season.
Courtesy of and © Snow24 plc
