Bankes and Nightingale bounce back from disappointment of individual events to take stunning team gold
The British pair took gold in a thrillingly contested Final, edging out the Austrian and French teams into silver and bronze, having earlier overcome the USA, Switzerland and France’s second team in the semi-finals draw.
The result marks the first time that Britain has taken a World Championships Team Snowboard Cross podium since the discipline was introduced at the Sierra Nevada World Championships in 2017, and sees Bankes return her second World Championships following her win in the individual event in 2021, and Nightingale named a World Champion on his debut at this level.
Speaking afterwards, Huw Nightingale said:
“It’s unbelievable. I can’t really describe it right now to be honest. It’s just so fulfilling.”
Charlotte Bankes said:
“It was a crazy race in tough conditions but we managed it really well thanks to the team around us. We both rode at our best today, like we’ve been riding in training and that’s just amazing to be able to come away with the gold medal together.
“The team put us in the best conditions. I’m so pleased that we were able to stick it down today.”
GB Snowsport Chief Executive, Vicky Gosling, said:
“We’re all so proud of Huw and Charlotte this morning. As a team, they’ve worked so hard in the build-up to these World Championships, and to see them go out there, perform like they did, and bring home the World Championships title is absolutely amazing. We’re all so delighted for them.”
GB Snowsport Head Coach, Pat Sharples, said:
“It’s sort of hard to put today into words. After the disappointment of yesterday, today’s win for Charlotte and Huw makes it even more special. Huw performed at his absolute best we’ve ever seen him in competition and shown he’s going to be a big contender in this sport for many years to come!
“Charlotte Bankes once again proved she’s the best in the world. Huge props to the team behind the team; the coaches and support staff. Every one of them deserves this win.”