Yankov aims for home glory in Bansko

Jan 17, 2025·Snowboard Alpine

The VISA FIS 2024-25 Snowboard Alpine World Cup continues its blazing pace. Just a few days after the World Cup’s stop at the legendary Bad Gastein, the tour moves to Bulgaria for a pair of parallel giant slalom races in Bansko. It will be the first two of seven straight PGS races on the Snowboard Alpine World Cup calendar. There will be fresh snow on the ground as Bansko looks like a winter wonderland following a fresh falling.

The venue returns to the tour after missing the calendar last year. The World Cup instead put on two PSL races in Pamporovo, Bulgaria. Daniele Bagozza (ITA) and Lee Sang-ho (KOR) won the races on the men’s side. Ester Ledecka (CZE) came back for a pop in on the Snowboard tour and picked up both wins on the women’s side.

The last time the World Cup stopped in Bansko was in 2023 for a pair of PSL races. This season they will compete in PGS races. Dario Caviezel (SUI) and Maurizio Bormolini (ITA) won the men’s races while Julie Zogg (SUI) swept the women’s events on her way to the overall title that season.

Those names will be in the mix for this weekend’s races in Bulgaria. There will be a few other names to watch including one all the Bulgarian fans will be laser-focused on.

Radoslav Yankov (BUL) is a local legend and is a legitimate contender. He sits in seventh in the overall cup standings heading into the weekend. Yankov loves to show up for his home fans.

“I have good memories of my home races, that's true. I think the well-prepared tracks and the many people who support me help me,”– Yankov said.

Three of Yankov’s 10 career World Cup podiums came in Bulgaria. He finished third in Pamporovo last season, coming up just short of a thrilling win. He also took the win and added a second-place finish in the two races in Bansko in 2017.

Yankov will have plenty to perform for as the Bulgarian snowboard fans will be in full force of support. He will also have his daughter, friends and family in attendance. The extra support provides its own pleasures and pressures for the Bulgarian star.

“It's something hard to describe. It's one of my most emotional moments,”– Yankov said.

Yankov is in good form. He already picked up his fourth career win in Carezza earlier this season. He also has five top ten finishes this season.

“I got my confidence back and it makes me very happy. I'm able to do good rides, this hasn't happened in a long time. I'm very grateful that this is happening,”– Yankov said.

It will not be easy for Yankov as the men’s field has been wide open all season. Only Bomrolini and Bagozza have won two races this season. There have been seven different winners on the men’s side this far.

Keep an eye out for the mighty Austrian men as well including Arvid Auner (AUT) and Andreas Prommegger (AUT). Benjamin Karl (AUT) will return after skipping Bad Gastein for personal reasons.

Zogg will be a favorite on the women’s side as she swept the most recent Bansko races. Tsubaki Miki will be the favorite as the overall leader. She has only missed one podium this season.

The women’s field must also fear Ramona Theresia Hofmeister (GER). The young legend and defending overall champion may be all the way back after finally returning to the podium with a win in Bad Gastein. The field could be in trouble if the German has her swagger back.

"The races in Gastein ware important for my self-consciousness. Two podiums for Germany motivates the whole team. I was overjoyed when I crossed the finish line. This victory is a very special and important one for me. Even before, I was very motivated and always hungry but the victory is an additional motivational boost. I want to take the energy with me into the next races, especially to the World Championships. I had no doubts about my riding because my training runs were fast,"– Hofmeister said.

There will be a teams’ parade and opening ceremony including a bib draw Friday at 18:00 LOC. The race schedule will be as follows for Bansko this weekend:

Saturday 18.1
8:40 LOC / 7:40 CET - Qualifications
12:30 LOC / 11:30 CET - Finals
Sunday 19.1.
10:00 LOC / 9:00 CET - Qualifications
14:15 LOC / 13:15 CET - Finals

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