Bankes claims fourth consecutive World Cup victory

Great Britain's Charlotte Bankes strengthened her position at the top of the snowboard cross World Cup standings by winning her fourth consecutive event.

The 29-year-old claimed her latest victory in Erzurum, Turkey, producing a late run in the final to finish ahead of French runner-up Lea Casta and Australia's Josie Baff in third.

Bankes had been made to work for her the win after also battling from the back of the field in the quarter-finals to squeeze through in second place.

"It was a hard-fought final but really happy to come away with the win," said Bankes, after claiming a fourth win from five races this season.

Bankes moved 85 points clear of second-placed Casta at the top in the overall World Cup standings.

She is bidding to win a third Crystal Globe - as the best overall competitor in the snowboard cross World Cup series - after also claiming the title in 2022 and 2023.

Bankes added to her medal haul on Sunday when her and Huw Nightingale took silver in the opening team snowboard cross World Cup event of the season.

The pair, who won the World title in 2023 and will defend their crown in St Moritz later this month, were in fourth at halfway but Bankes came through strongly to finish second behind Australia with Austria in third.