American Jared Minghini spoiled the day for Canadian snowboard cross, taking gold in the snowboard cross competition in Lake Louise away from several national team members.
“I’d rather be U.S. champion, but I’ll take the Canadian champ,” Minghini said.
In a tight final, contact between boarders at the top of the course proved to be the difference.
Jockeying for first place, Minghini collided with Canadian Olympian Rob Fagan on the third turn, forcing the Canuck to the ground. Minghini bounced up and soon found himself in the lead, carrying his speed down the course. Fagan made up some speed, but wasn’t able to catch Minghini in the final.
“It came down to the four fastest guys on the course. We knew it was going to be tight and nobody wanted to give an inch,” Fagan said.
Jockeying for second spot, Minghini said his legs were taken out, and he then slid into Fagan.
“I wanted a better start and to get in front. It’s hard to pass on this course, but I was able to make it out and capitalize when Kevin (Hill) made a mistake,” Minghini said.
The Canadians knew they were facing tough competition in the form of Jared and his brother Rob Minghini. The duo finished at the top of the standings on the NorAm circuit, and Jared was invited to three world cup races in Europe before the event.
As his star rises, he’s not interested in giving up his Canadian title, as he vowed to defend the title next year.
“I’ll be here,” he said.
Fagan, who warmed up for the nationals by scaling the peaks around Chateau Lake Louise, tried to hide his disappointment with the loss.
“I wanted it bad. I’ve had it before,” Fagan said.
He cruised through the qualifying rounds on what he described as a ‘fun course.’
“Most of my speed is found at the bottom. I’m a larger boy and have a lot of glide. If anyone makes a mistake on the final berm, I know I have them,” Fagan said.
Fagan, though, still gets the title of Canadian champ.
Kevin ‘K-Skills’ Hill picked up the bronze. He was the defending Canadian champion.
Snowboard cross organizers ramped up the size of the banked turns and jumps for the event.
In a sport that outlaws tight pants for esthetic purposes, organizers were given a perfect bluebird day for much of the competition. Most of the competitors wrapped up the season with the Canadian Nationals, and now have their eyes set on free riding adventures.
“There’s lots of powder to be had in B.C.,” Fagan said.
