STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colorado – Tyler Turner of Campbell River, B.C., secured the Crystal Globe trophy in Para snowboard cross by winning the final World Cup race of the season on Wednesday. The victory marked Turner’s second win of the season.
In the four-man final, Turner outpaced his American competitors, Noah Elliott and Mike Schultz, who finished second and third, respectively. Brazil’s Andre Barbien took fourth place.
“This Crystal Globe might be the sweetest to date because the competition is getting stronger every year,” Turner said. “Anyone can win on any given day. This season had more ups and downs than I’ve ever experienced in a World Cup, including missing the podium because of uncharacteristic mistakes.”
The title race came down to the final race of the season, with Turner and his rivals tied for first place. Turner described the pressure, saying, “It was a winner-takes-all race. Only the finals in Beijing in 2022 made me feel more anxious than I did at the start gate.”
Turner managed to calm his nerves and executed his best start of the week, taking the lead into turn one and holding onto it until crossing the finish line.
“I was doing everything I could to keep my knees from feeling like Jello from the adrenaline,” Turner said.
In addition to his World Cup win, Turner finished second in the overall Para snowboard standings for the season, which combines snowboard cross and banked slalom events.
Looking ahead, Turner and his Canadian teammates are preparing for the Para Snowboard World Championships, which will be held from March 5-10 at Big White, B.C.
“It was the most my hands have ever shaken after a race,” Turner added. “I’m incredibly proud of this Globe and grateful for the amazing team that supported me through the ups and downs of this World Cup season.”
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