KIRKENES (Norway) 20 April 2024 – The final Race Day of the 2024 FIM Snowcross World Championship in Kirkenes brought a breath-taking display of winter wonder, with freezing temperatures and the amazing glow of the aurora lights illuminating the night sky at -12°C. As dawn broke, the weather remained chilly at -3°C, with intermittent snow showers. This has not discourage the 1,500 SNX fans to come and cheer for their favourite riders.
The Opening Ceremony commenced with a grand presentation of riders, accompanied by speeches from esteemed officials on stage. Andrea Barbieri, FIM delegate, and Odd Georg Ostbyhaug, FIM Europe Delegate, set the stage for an exciting day of racing. Tore Frederik Nilsen, representing Sør-Varanger Kommune, was honored for the region’s unwavering support, receiving a plate from Infront Moto Racing Representative Patricia Maskarova as recognition for their contributions to the event.
The racing day kicked off with a thrilling freestyle show by Rasmus Johansson and Daniel Bodin, setting the adrenaline-fueled tone for the races ahead.
FIM Snowcross World Championship
In the SNX Race 1, it was fast starter Aki Pihlaja who surged to the front with an impressive holeshot once again, closely pursued by the championship leader Magnus Reiten and Gustav Sahlsten who could keep the pace of the Finnish.
Swedish rider Gustav Sahlsten bravely defended his third position against charges in the early stage from Kristoffer Holm first who started also well until Holm got issues that relegated him down the rank, finishing 11thin the end. Then, it was Emil Hansson who battle with Sahlsten in a give and take lasting over few laps. The advantage was for Sahlsten who took the third place again until an agonising problem with his sledge ended his hopes for a top 3 finish. Hansson finished 3rd while Sahlsten 13th.
As he showed in Finland and in the Qualifying Heat, Pihlaja was the best and won the race, his second of the season while Reiten confirmed his rank at the top of the championship with a 2nd place. It was more complicated for the ex-red plate, Jesse Kirchmeyer, who finished 9th.
Before SNX Race 2 began, Martin Johansson who was fighting for a podium after his 4th place in Race 1, and Sahlsten could not start the race due to arriving after the waiting zone closed.
The race began nonetheless and unfolded with Pihjala securing yet another holeshot, showing his impressive starts and setting the pace for the rest of the pack. Surprising the crowd, Aki Pesonen swiftly claimed the second place, showcasing remarkable skill until an unfortunate turn of events led to the breakage of his back suspension, forcing him to move down to 11th.
Stepping into the breach, Reiten seamlessly took over the position, wisely maintaining his pace knowing that securing second place would be sufficient to clinch the SNX World Championship title. This is exactly what he did as he clinched the 2nd place to go on the 2nd step of the Norwegian podium. Hansson rounded the podium with a 3-5 to finish the season on a superb note.
Meanwhile Pihlaja showed that he was one of the most impressive riders this season with another easy race win, claiming his 2nd Grand Prix victory in a row and a perfect 1-1-1.
However, these amazing performances, after missing the round in Turkiye, were not enough to overthrow Reiten of the Championship lead, as the Norwegian showed excellent composure to maintain his advantage, thanks to his incredible consistency in 2024.
Thanks to his results, Magnus Reiten who clinched the first Grand Prix of the season in Turkiye, finally won the gold medal to become the 2024 FIM SNX World Champion on home soil for the greatest pleasure of Norwegian fans.
Getting the Silver Medal was the American Jesse Kirchmeyer who was a bit quieter in Norway as he finished 6th overall but it was enough to become Vice World Champion.
Thanks to his impressive run, Aki Pihlaja managed, in the space of only two rounds, to step on the Championship podium in 3rd position and get the bronze medal.
Magnus Reiten: “My dream came true! We work very hard to get where we are and it paid off. I’m the SNX World Champion, first from my country. This is really a dream!”
Main Photo: 2024 FIM SNX World Championship Podium
Top Photo: SNX World Champion Magnus Reiten
Bottom Photos: 1.SNX Start Kirkenes; 2. FIM SNX World Championship Overall Podium Norway
FIM SNX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OVERALL NORWAY
FIM SNX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
FIM Women’s Snowcross World Championship
In the WSNX Race 1, Malene Cottew asserted her dominance with a stellar holeshot, maintaining her lead until the finish line with a pace that could not be matched. Despite a valiant effort from Jenny Lundstrom did her own race to settle for 2nd comfortably. Saga Forsell, who was nursing an ankle injury from the Qualifying Heat of Friday, thought she had the pace to maintain her third position but had to bow out on lap 4, to an excellent Wilma Jonsson who manoeuvred very well to pass Forsell for 3rd. Forsell finished at a good 4thplace in the end given her injury.
In Race 2, Cottew surged ahead once again, securing a commanding lead right from the start and leaving her competitors trailing in her wake. Behind her, Jonsson managed to move up to second, closely followed by Lundstrom, who attempted several times to challenge for the position but ultimately fell short and had to settle for 3rd. Jonsson stayed solid and finished 2nd to steal the 2nd overall to Lundstrom. Meanwhile, Forsell swerved off the track, prematurely ending her race with no further issue.
Malene Cottew was a head above the rest as she won the race comfortably to complete her incredible perfect season. She managed to win every race she took part in 2024 for a maximum scoring of 120 points. She deservedly become 2024 FIM WSNX World Champion in the best fashion possible.
Completing the Championship podium is Jenny Lundstrom with the silver medal who showed great determination in keeping the second place following the round in Finland, mainly as her Swedish compatriot Wilma Jonsson pushed hard to change that. In the end Jonsson settled with an excellent bronze medal for 2024
Malene Cottew: “My season is over and I feel it that I will take some good long vacation. I have to say THANK YOU to my family, sponsors and supporters as I’m only riding my sledge and have fun , but they do all serious job for me. Thank you!”
Top Photo: 2024 FIM WSNX World Champion Malene Cottew
Bottom Photos: WSNX Overall Podium Norway; 2. 2024 FIM WSNX World Championship Podium
WSNX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OVERALL
WSNX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
FIM Europe Snowcross European Championship
In the European Snowcross Championship Mille Andersson showcased an extraordinary performance, dominating both races of the final round and clinching the coveted European title.
With a flawless 1-1 record and 50 points, Andersson surged past the red plate holder, Emil Mikalsen, who could only get a 6-9 finish, landing him in 7th place overall. Anton Lindstrom also stepped up to the challenge in Kirkenes, delivering an impressive 2-2, earning him the runner-up position in Norway. Meanwhile, young Norwegian talent Thor-David Rasmus secured a spot on the overall podium.
Despite the intense competition, it was Alfred Gunnarsson who ultimately clinched the bronze medal in the championship standings with his 4th place finish in Norway.
Emil Mikalsen still secured the silver medal in the Championship, thanks to his previous round win in Finland.
However, the star of the day was Mille Andersson, who delivered a stunning performance to claim the top spot on the overall podium in Kirkenes and secure the coveted gold medal as the 2024 European SNX Champion.
Top Photo: 2024 European SNX Champion Mille Andersson
Bottom Photos: 1. FIM Europe ESNX Championship Podium; 2. ESNX Overall Podium Norway
FIM EUROPE ESNX EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP OVERALL
FIM EUROPE ESNX EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
For further information about the 2024 FIM Snowcross World Championship, stay tuned to both WorldSnowcross.com and MXGP’s social media channels including the official SNX Instagram page at @snowcross_official
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