Aspen, CO – Morning snow gave way to some light rain showers in Aspen Saturday afternoon, making for a slow and slushy Snowboarder X track. Conditions didn’t seem to affect Lindsey Jacobellis (Stratton Mountain, VT), however, as she won her second consecutive gold medal in the event at Winter X Games 13.n

“This one feels great,” Jacobellis said of her victory. “X Games is always pretty stressful on me because I expect a lot from myself, and just to have the race over with feels so great, but to come across the finish line first is a great relief and a great reward.”

Jacobellis surged ahead early and pulled away from the competition with a final time of 110.619. Norway’s Helene Olafsen grabbed the silver with a time of 113.266 in front of Sandra Frei of Switzerland, whose time of 113.505 earned the bronze.

“Fifth place is the best I have ever gotten at Winter X Games,” an exuberant Olafsen said. “I am so happy to medal and get silver.”

Jacobellis, however, was riding in a league of her own as she led each of the women’s heats by large margins.

“I was really happy with the way I was riding. The course was very difficult because of all the new snow that had fallen. It was slow and hard to clear features,” Jacobellis said. “But, I was still able to get over the first triple and that is what I think helped establish my lead.”

To top it off, Jacobellis was amped to be able to compete in front of an audience that doesn’t normally get to see her ride.

“This one just feels great, especially because everyone is watching in the U.S. All the friends and family who are watching are stoked because they can’t always watch the World Cup,” Jacobellis said. “The World Cup circuit is very important for me, but X Games is icing on the cake.”

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 WINTER X GAMES
Aspen, CO – Jan. 24, 2009
Women’s Snowboardcross

(Name, Bib #, Hometown, Time)

Final:
1. Lindsey Jacobellis 634 Stratton, Vt. 110.619
2. Helene Olafsen 638 Oppegard, Norway 113.266
3. Sandra Frei 645 Flims-Dorf, Switzerland 113.505
4. Maelle Ricker 639 Whistler, B.C., Canada 113.776
5. Olivia Nobs 641 La Chaux-De-Fonds, Switzerland 113.999
6. Joanie Anderson 630 South Lake Tahoe, Calif. 115.739

Consolation:
7. Mellie Francon 632 La Chaux-De-Fonds, Switzerland 112.693
8. Simona Meiler 637 Flims, Switzerland 114.375
9. Erin Simmons 640 Steamboat Springs, Colo. 120.052
10. Faye Gulini 381 Vail, Colo. 127.372
11. Zoe Gillings 633 Isle of Man, Great Britain 130.000
12. Tara Dakides 631 Mammoth Lakes, Calif. 130.000