Ester Ledecka makes winning return to snowboarding after winning parallel slalom event in Bulgaria

BySportsbeat

Updated 20/01/2024 at 19:56 GMT

Ester Ledecka beat Ramona Theresia Hofmeister in Bulgaria as she switches focus from alpine skiing to snowboarding for the middle section of the season. The podium was completed by Japan's Tsubaki Miki, who overcame Zuzana Maderova to finish third. In the men's event, there was an all-Italian final, as Daniele Bagozza beat Edwin Corratti to the top step.

Austria triumph in mixed parallel slalom in Bad Gastein

Ester Ledecka made a sensational return to snowboarding with victory in the parallel slalom in Bulgaria.

The double Olympic champion has spent this season on the alpine skiing circuit, but is yet to land a top-10 result and has switched back to the boards for the middle section of the season.

In Ledecka's absence, Ramona Theresia Hofmeister has dominated and won four of the first five parallel slalom events.

Snowboard

Trespeuch claims first career crystal globe ahead of GB's Bankes

24/03/2024 at 19:46

The pair picked their way through the draw to set-up a mouthwatering final, where Ledecka eased to a comfortable 2.14s victory. Japan's Tsubaki Miki beat Zuzana Maderova to finish third.

"It is amazing, I am happy to be back and could chase the best of the girls and prove I am still on the top," said Ledecka.

"I am very happy for that and a big thank you to the organizers, it was snowing hard all day, so it is not easy to make the slope very nice and they made an amazing job.

“There are many good girls, I tried not to underestimate anyone. I am going with the same mindset on every run, I am just trying to be the faster one at the finish."

In the men's event, there was home delight for Radoslav Yankov who took bronze in the first ever World Cup event in Pamporovo.

In an all-Italian final, Daniele Bagozza beat Edwin Corratti to the top step.

- - -

Stream top winter sports action live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com.

Snowboard