Next snowboard cross generation takes the stage at Isola 2000 Junior Worlds

Apr 15, 2025·Snowboard Cross

From April 9 to 13, the world’s most promising junior snowboard cross athletes gathered in Isola 2000, France, for the 2025 FIS Junior World Championship Snowboard Cross (SBX). After three thrilling days of racing in both individual and mixed team SBX formats, the event concluded this past weekend, shining a spotlight on the next generation of talent in the sport.

Following the successful hosting of the FIS Junior World Championship Ski Cross just one week prior, the French resort of Isola 2000 was once again ready - this time to welcome the rising talents of snowboard cross. As the closing event of the FIS Junior World Championships in snowboard disciplines, this prestigious competition marked a significant milestone in the careers of young riders.

Despite challenging spring conditions on the course during training and qualifications, the stage was set for an exciting weekend showdown to close out the season.

The individual races delivered thrilling head-to-head battles in both men's and women's categories. French standout Lea Casta, 19, who had already claimed the top spot in Friday’s qualifiers, dominated the women’s competition. Winning every heat, she powered her way to the finish line to secure her third consecutive individual JWCH gold medal. The battle for the remaining podium places was intense. Maya Billingham (AUS), Lyse Laine (FRA), and Noemie Wiedmer (SUI) all vied for position after Casta took an early lead out of the start gate. The first contact came between Billingham and Laine, with the French rider briefly taking the lead, but Maya managed to stay on course and continue chasing from behind. Further down the course, Wiedmer crashed on a tight left turn, leaving Billingham and Laine to fight it out for silver. In the end, it was the Australian Billingham who crossed the line second, with Laine claiming the bronze.

In the men’s field, the storyline was much the same. France’s Jonas Chollet, the fastest in qualifiers, carried his momentum through to the big final after dominating his earlier heats. With a powerful start, he took the lead out of the gate, while Nathan Pare (USA), fresh off World Cup podiums, stayed close behind and pushed all the way to the finish. Chollet held his ground and crossed the line first to take gold, Pare secured silver and Germany’s Julius Reichle rounded out the podium with bronze.

Originally scheduled for Sunday, the mixed team event was moved to Saturday afternoon due to forecasted bad weather. In this format, male and female athletes from the same country paired up to compete in heats. A total of 29 teams representing 15 nations lined up for what was expected to be a showcase of team spirit and young talent. The finals didn’t disappoint, with plenty of exciting passes and tight racing on display.

In the last heat of the day, it was once again Lea Casta - this time racing alongside Jonas Chollet - who crossed the finish line first in the women's leg of the big final, securing a second gold medal of the day for both herself and her teammate. Team Australia 1 (Cameron Turner and Maya Billingham) earned silver, while Team USA 1 (Nathan Pare and Brianna Schnorrbusch) clinched bronze.

Team Italy has claimed this season’s Marc Hodler Trophy with a total of 71 points.

Impressed by the athletes’ performance, Peter Krogoll, FIS Race Director and Snowboard Coordinator, praised the event as a powerful display of youth sport at its finest: “The young athletes delivered an incredible display of talent and determination, creating an atmosphere that truly celebrated sport and resilience.”

“Congratulations to all participants and teams for their fantastic spirit and performance. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for the excellent coordination and flexibility in making this event a success - from the organizers and volunteers to the coaches and supporters. Together, we created an atmosphere where youth sport could shine at its absolute best.” – added Krogoll

The FIS Junior World Championships in Isola 2000 concluded with a festive awards ceremony and official closing, celebrating an unforgettable week of world-class youth competition in the heart of the French Alps.

Full results from the JWSC in Isola 2000 are available HERE and a gallery of all the event photos can be found HERE.