Holland posts top time in World Cup qualifier

SOLITUDE, Utah — Sandpoint native Nate Holland served notice that he’s riding in top form, posting the fastest qualifying time among the men to earn the No. 1 seed among 48 riders in today’s FIS World Cup Snowboardcross event at Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah.

Holland, a 3-time Olympian who is currently No. 7 in the World Cup standings, was joined in the top three by Sochi 2014 Olympic gold medallist Pierre Vaultier of France and Mick Dierdorff of the United States.

“I definitely feel a responsibility to defend the home turf,” said Holland.

Local favorite Hagen Kearney, who currently leads the overall World Cup SBX standings, qualified in 17th place.

Olympic champion Eva Samková of the Czech Republic was followed by Alexandra Zhekova of Bulgaria and American Lindsey Jacobellis, who were second and third respectively. Jacobellis is third in the women’s standings and chasing after a third world cup season championship.

The trio were among 48 athletes to seal their berth in the final, where crucial Snowboard Cross World Cup points will be on offer.

Solitude is debuting as a World Cup host. The ski resort, which will also host snowboard cross and ski cross events during the 2019 Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships, is located in Utah.

Among those expected to join Kearney and Holland in the men’s competition are Olympic bronze medalist Alex Deibold, who is 10th in the world cup standings; two-time Olympian Nick Baumgartner; Jonathan Cheever; Mick Dierdorff; 2016 Youth Olympic champion Jake Vedder; Robert Minghini; 2014 Olympian Trevor Jacob and two-time Olympic champion Seth Wescott.

The event will be televised at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, on NBC.