SnowboardCross, a lost world?

Three weeks ago, I went in the Hautes Alpes (south French Alps) to see a friend of mine competing the French and European SnowboardCross Cup in Puy St Vincent during 3 days. I had no idea about how the competition will be, and I was surprised by the good level of the riders and the professionalism of the teams. I've seen some riders from all the European countries, and also from Australia and South Africa to compete the cups in order to gain some points for the global ranking.

But I was shocked by something, I was the only photographer (except a girl who came for the local newspaper) and I was also the only spectator during 3 days! Come on, it's an European Cup guys! I couldn't believe it, and if you go on Google and search "SnowboardCross", there is almost nothing, only amateur things. Sounds like you can only find something on this sport during the World Cups... It's sad. Is this sport lost? No money? No sponsor? No media? Even the French Federation of Snowboard didn't seem to be interested to promote this sport with professional images : "Yeah, send me some pics, we have a cool Facebook page". Are you kidding? My pics for free on your poor facebook page? Nope, I prefer to show them on my blog!

But I took some pictures for my friend Vincent and, maybe, a french magazine... Anyway, here are my favorite ones, at least, you guys can tell "snowboardcross still exist, I have seen some pics on this blog!"...

Thanks for visiting.
I'll be on the road tomorrow to be on time for the "Rallye Neige et Glace" 2013 edition. Cheers!

8 am, the riders are already on their way for the first training while the ski resort is still sleeping... 

After the first trainings, it's time for the qualifications. One by one.

My friend Vincent is here for the fun, and prefer to have fun in the powder before the qualifications (with his snowboardX board and his bib)!

Here is a local french coach training some Australian riders. All is good!

Pierrot is a legend, but you probably don't know him. This is the guy behind the Karine Ruby's Olympic Games gold medal (1998). We miss you Karine

This sport if full of girl riders, and it's good. 

Go big or go home. Girls power! 

Yes, she is also a girl, and she can ride with style.

Your turn boys!

The big final fight! SnowboardX is cool. 

No good result for Vince, but mother nature is everywhere and is good.

Cheers!