Bankes Claims Victory at Türkiye World Cup

Challenging weather and a delayed start set the scene for an eventful second day of Snowboard Cross World Cup racing in Erzurum, Türkiye, where Charlotte Bankes returned to winning form. The Team GB rider secured her first triumph since last month’s historic Olympic gold, won with teammate Huw Nightingale, and added a 27th individual World Cup victory to her record, her second of the season after success in Dongbeiya, China.

Bankes looked composed throughout Sunday’s heats, controlling both her quarterfinal and semifinal from the front. The final proved far tighter. After a slower launch, she worked her way into second behind Switzerland’s Wiedmer, then moved ahead before being briefly overtaken by France’s Lea Casta. A powerful final push over the closing jumps brought Bankes back into the lead, sealing the win in a photo finish.

“The wind and fresh snow made things tough today, but the volunteers did an amazing job,” Bankes said. “It was a tight final, but I focused on staying clean at the bottom and carrying speed. Really happy to make that pass on the line.”

With three events remaining, Bankes stays firmly in the hunt for the Crystal Globe. Casta, who won Friday’s race, retains the overall lead on 324 points, with Bankes close behind on 313.

“The overall is still wide open,” Bankes added. “I’m excited for Montafon and Mont Sainte‑Anne, there’s going to be some great battles out there.”

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