site.btaRadoslav Yankov: There Couldn't Have Been Better Outcome for Bulgaria at Snowboard World Cup in Bansko

The bronze medallist in the men’s parallel giant slalom at the Snowboard World Cup in Bansko, Radoslav Yankov, told journalists that there was no way the day’s competition could have gone any better.

Bulgaria finished the day with two podium finishers in the men’s event, the other being winner Tervel Zamfirov. Yankov and Zamfirov met in the semifinals, with victory going to the younger of the two snowboarders.

“Our result in the men’s competition could not have been better. I am grateful to Tervel for winning the big final so that we could hear the Bulgarian national anthem and delight the amazing crowd that was here to support us,” Yankov said.

“Ever since I won the Overall Crystal Globe, my mission has always been to involve more young people in the sport and to help the younger athletes in one way or another. At the moment, we are reaping the fruits of ten years of work by the federation, parents, coaches, officials, the children themselves, and everyone involved, with all their efforts and sacrifices. I am happy that we now have such a large team. There is a lot of depth behind us,” added Yankov, the only Bulgarian athlete to have won a World Cup title in a winter sport.

“The course in Bansko is always superbly prepared. I would like to thank the hosts from Yulen and the Bulgarian Ski Federation. We were also lucky with the weather, and I think it was time to do what we did today for the fans,” he added.

Asked about his expectations for the Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in early February, Yankov said:

“At the Olympics, anything is possible. In our sport, the result depends on many factors, including the condition of the course and how it is set. Small inaccuracies can knock you out very quickly. Many of the favourites were eliminated in the first round today. Form is not as important as the confidence you gain from results like these,” explained the snowboarder from Chepelare.

“With so many riders going down the course, one of the two runs always becomes faster, but I do not think the difference between them was that big today. What matters more is having strong qualifications, when the courses are still perfect,” he added.

“Our sport is individual, but the self-confidence that comes from having a strong team—like the Italian and Austrian teams, for example - gives you a huge boost. I am glad that I am not going to the Olympic Games on my own,” Yankov concluded.