World Cup gold for snowboarder Cam Bolton

Australian dual Olympian Cameron Bolton (NSWIS) has claimed his first ever FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup title in Feldberg, Germany.

The victory was even sweeter for the 28 year old who crashed on this course three years ago which resulted in a broken back.

Lining up in the 40th start of his career matched up in a tough final heat against German pair Paul Berg and Konstantin Schad, as well as young Japanese rider Yoshiki Takahara, jumping quickly out of the left gate and into the lead before the first corner with the Germans hot on his tail.

With Takahara clipping Schad’s board and nearly crashing on the first corner, Schad and Berg would be free to battle for second while Bolton opened up a comfortable lead, holding on easily through the finish for the win.

“It feels really, really good,” said Bolton of his first World Cup win.

“It was a tricky race today and ’m happy I was able to come out here and do it.

“Three years ago I broke my back on this course, so to come out here and qualify first and then take the win, it feels like I have a little bit of redemption. And to share the podium with a couple of German riders on their home turf is nice, too.

“I took a lot of confidence out of qualifying in first, however I immediately shifted my focus to the heat racing, which was going to be another kettle of fish.

“Everything came together and I had one of those days where you feel as though you can control everything around you.

“I’m feeling great on snow and have a terrific team around me.  I’m looking forward to building on this result,” he said.

From skiandsnowboard.org.au