Pat Holland claims 9th in Italian World Cup

VALMALENCO, Italy — Sandpoint native Pat Holland returned from injury to post a solid 9th place finish among 65 riders on Wednesday during an FIS Snowboardcross World Cup race in Italy, one of his best showings of the season.

Alex Tuttle of Maine finished second to make his first first World Cup podium, behind winner Stian Sivertzen of Norway.

Nate Holland also returned from a collarbone injury to finish 26th, enough to keep his second place spot on the overall World Cup points race. France’s Pierre Vaultier is the overall points leader, and can’t be caught, but Holland will need to ride well in the final World Cup race on the same course Friday to hold his spot. A handful of riders are within striking distance of Holland, which will add some drama to the final stop of the season.

Nate was sharp in the time trials, posting the 10th fastest time, while Patrick finished 42nd, making his 9th place finish a bit of a surprise. Both brothers are healthy, and will look to end the season on a high note on Friday.