Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships: Eva Adamczykova, Jakob Dusek win snowboard cross gold

Eva Adamczykova soared to a sensational gold at the snowboard cross World Championships in Bakuriani following a challenging year.

The 29-year-old from the Czech Republic reclaimed the title she last won in 2019 after breaking both of her ankles just two months out from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics last year.

Australia’s Josie Baff pipped Olympic champion Lindsey Jacobellis to silver whilst France’s Manon Petit Lenoir fell short for fourth.

Reigning world champion Charlotte Bankes was knocked out in the round of 32.

“I almost couldn’t ride in the autumn, and I didn’t think this season would turn out like this,” said Adamczykova, who won every heat she was in on the day.

“I also talked to my [physical therapist] in the fall, and he said it takes time.

“And it took time, but I’m happy it worked out that way. I was really worried that I was going to ride badly or not at all for the whole season.

“I couldn’t have asked for better.”

Austria’s Jakob Dusek claimed his first world medal with a dramatic gold in the men’s snowboard cross.

It all came down to a photo finish as Martin Noerl failed to hold onto his narrow lead and was pipped on the line by Dusek for the victory.

Omar Visintin grabbed bronze after Alessandro Haemmerle crashed following a close encounter with Noerl just before the final jump.