Boardercross (Snowboard Cross)
Boardercross (also called snowboard cross, snowboardercross, SBX, boarder x or BX) is a type of snowboarding competition where competitors race side-by-side on a specially designed course. The term boardercross comes from Motocross; the course is similar to motocross courses. Boardercross involves a group of four or six snowboarders, who will simultaneously start atop a winding and inclined course, racing to reach the finish line.
Competitions are conducted in multiple rounds, a time-trial round, followed by a direct racing round. In the time-trial round, each boarder rides downhill against the clock, and 32 of the fastest boarders are selected for the next round. The direct-racing round is conducted in a heats format, in which, four to six boarders compete in each race. Two boarders move to the next round until last four or six remain for the final race to determine the medal winners.
snowboarder taking a tight turnThe course of boardercross includes cambered turns, various jumps, berms, rollers, drops, steep and flat sections. They are designed to challenge the participants' ability to stay in control and maintaining a maximum speed at the same time. The tracks are deliberately narrow, and racers often collide with one another during the race.
Boardercross was part of the Winter X-Games from 1997-2012, it returned to the X-games just recently. Boardercross is also part of the Winter Olympics since 2006.
As per the International Ski Federation and the Olympic committee, boardercross should be called Snowboard cross or SBX.
There is a very similar sport in which competitors race on ice skates (Ice Cross Downhill) or snow skis (Ski Cross).
Similar Sports
- Ski Cross — multiple downhill skiers race head-to-head on a course including big jumps, rollers and high-banked turns.
- Ice Cross Downhill — an extreme winter racing sport that involves direct racing of multiple skaters on a downhill course.
- Slopestyle Snowboarding — athletes on a snowboard perform on a course with a range of obstacles.
- Snowboarding — involves descending on a slope covered in snow using a single board attached to both feet
- Freestyle Snowboarding — competitors ride on the snowboard and do the tricks along with descending on the snow-covered slopes to earn maximum scores.
- Snocross (or snowcross) — the most popular form of snowmobile racing, similar to motocross but conducted on snow.
- Motocross — a form of motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits which include embankments and jumps.
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