Squaw’s Holland makes podium in snowboardercross

By Lindsey Sine, USSA

LA MOLINA, Spain — It was a great end to the season for Pat Holland (Squaw Valley, CA) who took third to mark the first World Cup podium of his career during the snowboardcross competition in Spain on Friday.

“It felt really good. I just kept working hard. All year I was riding at a really high level, I just didn’t have any results. It just clicked today,” Holland said. “I’m really happy with the way I rode. I had to fight through every round, but I fought well and made it to the podium.”

Pierre Vaultier of France won, followed in second by Australia’s Alex Pullin. According to Holland, the top two had pulled away from the start, and finishing third was a battle with Italy’s Alberto Schiavon.

“Alberto and I were behind fighting for third he pulled away from e a bit and we were going into the second of last turn and I’m determined to make the podium, so I laid it down in the last two turns and made the pass in the last bank for third,” Holland said. “I made passes where I wanted to make passes in places other guys couldn’t, so I’m pumped.”

U.S. Snowboarding Head Coach Peter Foley said that Holland was the standout all week, and for him to come through like he did was a great accomplishment.

“He really rode the best out of anyone on the team all week. He was setting examples for everyone to follow in video and to have him ride the whole race that way was awesome,” Foley said.

Holland’s previous top finish was an eighth last season. He said that this podium gives him a little extra push for the future.

In the women’s heats, Helene Olafsen of Norway won, followed in second by Simona Meiler of Switzerland in second and Maelle Ricker of Canada in third.

Lindsey Jacobellis (Stratton Mountain, VT) finished at the top for the U.S., landing sixth.

The day wrapped up the World Cup snowboardcross season. The team will return to the U.S. for summer training in preparation for the 2011 season.

La Molina, Spain, March 19, Snowboardcross

Men

1. Pierre Vaultier, France

2. Alex Pullin, Australia

3. Pat Holland, Squaw Valley, CA

4. Alberto Schiavon, Italy

5. Lukas Gruener, Austria

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6. Graham Watanabe, Sun Valley, ID

10. Nate Holland, Squaw Valley, CA

11. Ross Powers, Londonderry, VT

20. Nick Baumgartner, Iron River, MI

22. Alex Deibold,, Manchester Center, VT

30. Jayson Hale, Sierraville, CA

40. Bobby Minghini, South Lake Tahoe, CA

45. Mick Dierdorff, Steamboat Springs, CO

Women

1. Helene Olafsen, Norway

2. Simona Meiler, Switzerland

3. Maelle Ricker, Canada

4. Alexandra Jekova, Bulgaria

5. Dominique Maltais, Canada

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6. Lindsey Jacobellis, Stratton Mountain, VT

9. Faye Gulini, Salt Lake City

20. Callan Chythlook Sifsof, Girdwood, AK