Eliot Grondin set a blistering pace in qualifying and came close to retaining his top-dog status when it got down to racing in Saturday’s season-opening World Cup snowboard cross event in Chiesa in Valmalenco, Italy.
The field of 67 racers was whittled down to the fastest four after Saturday’s heats and Grondin came out second-best in the big final.
Dutch rider Glenn de Blois edged Grondin for gold, after qualifying 18th the previous day, and Lorenzo Sommariva of Italy , 17th in the qualification round, claimed bronze, finished just ahead of fourth-place Hagen Kearney of the U.S.
Kevin Hall of Vernon placed 46th, Liam Moffatt of Truro, N.S. was 57th, Evan Bichon of Prince George was 63rd and Colby Graham of Prince George placed 65th.
in the women’s race, Meryeta O’Dine of Prince George was 17th as the top Canadian.
Defending Crystal Globe season champion Michala Moioli of Italy used home turf to her advantage to win gold in the big final over silver medalist Faye Gulini of the U.S. Eva Samkova of Czech Republic captured bronze.
In other Canadian results, Audrey McMainan of Sainte-Ambrose-de-Kildare, Que., finished 22nd, Carle Brenneman of Comox was 27th; Zoe Bergermann of Erin, Ont., was 29th; Justinen Kennedy of Whistler was 42nd and Hailey Moyer of King City, Ont., was 43rd.
Another race is scheduled for Sunday on the same course.
