Charlotte Bankes was left gutted within the snowboard cross on the Winter Olympics.
Charlotte Bankes suffered disappointment within the snowboard cross (Picture: Getty)
Charlotte Bankes might be forgiven for hating the Olympics. Nobody has gained extra World Cup snowboard cross titles, but as soon as once more she faltered below the brilliant lights of her sport’s largest stage. The excitable announcer whooped and hollered, urging the gang to “anticipate the surprising”. Sadly for Bankes, it was simply extra of the identical.
She exited within the quarter-finals — simply as she did right here in Livigno 4 years in the past. Even her post-race feedback have been throwback to 2022. It means Nice Britain’s first 5 medal hopes at these Video games have all did not make the rostrum. ‘Keep in mind, we’re not a winter sports activities nation,’ would be the acquainted chorus. Neither is Australia — and so they have already struck double gold in these hills, with extra absolutely of their sights.
“It’s irritating as a result of it doesn’t mirror the work that’s been executed or the hassle from the entire crew round me,” mentioned Bankes. “It’s been a battle and we’ve labored extremely laborious. I’ve been performing properly on the World Cup circuit and on the World Championships during the last 4 years.
“We got here right here in a robust place, however sadly it didn’t come collectively. This wasn’t about accidents or unhealthy luck. It was merely a disappointing efficiency. I really feel sorry for everybody watching. It seems like I’ve let folks down.
“I haven’t had nice velocity all week on this observe, though we thought we’d discovered some options. I knew why I wasn’t quick in qualifying and that wasn’t actually a significant concern. We knew drafting can be vital and that it might play to my strengths, however I couldn’t discover the area when it mattered.”
Bankes seemed sluggish in qualifying, rating ninth — which meant a tougher route via the knockouts, the place 4 riders race in opposition to one another with solely the highest two progressing.
Charlotte Bankes was eradicated within the quarter-finals (Picture: Getty)
The 30-year-old eased into the quarter-finals however discovered herself in a fierce contest. Gradual out of the gates, she trailed all through and crossed the road fourth, properly behind eventual gold medallist Josie Baff.
Bankes may have an opportunity to make amends alongside team-mate Huw Nightingale within the crew occasion, having gained the world title collectively three years in the past.
Nice Britain arrived in Livigno with seven official medal prospects on snow. This was underwhelming from Bankes, however there stays hope the crew can but enhance on the fourth-place finishes of Kirsty Muir and Mia Brookes in occasions to come back.
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“I’m nonetheless assured going into the crew occasion,” added Bankes. “There are not any points with the observe, I simply haven’t ridden at my finest this week. We’ve seen earlier than how rapidly issues can flip round in our sport. It’s tight racing and something can occur.”
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