File photo GOLDEN AGAIN Maelle Ricker (centre) is the women’s snowboard cross world champion. Her teammate Dominique Maltais (left) picked up a silver medal at the world championships with Norway’s Helene Olafsen placing third.
Maelle Ricker still has what it takes to win big.
The Squamish resident has claimed the title of world snowboard cross champion. The 2010 Olympic gold medalist claimed the title at the World Snowboard Championships in Stoneham, Quebec.
Ricker, 34, beat teammate Dominique Maltais at the event.
“I'm very happy,” said Ricker.
“I really wanted this title. And I'm very happy to be on the podium with Dominique (Maltais) together.
Ricker’s win signals a full recovery from a shoulder injury, which hampered her in last season’s early races.
Third place at the competition in Quebec went to Helene Olafsen of Norway.
Ricker became a Canadian hero in 2010 when she boarded her way to an Olympic gold medal. In doing so she earned Canada’s first Olympic gold medal on home turf.
In the men’s world championship snowboard cross competition at Stoneham, the top Canadian result was Robert Fagan’s 8th place finish. Christopher Robanske finished behind his teammate in 12th place.
Alex Pullin won the men’s world championship for the second year in a row. He is the first man to win back-to-back world championship titles.
The Australian squeaked ahead of 2009 world champion Markus Schairer of Austria.
Stian Sivertzen of Norway took the bronze medal.