Fresh from his maiden World Cup victory last weekend, Australia's Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin jumped to No.2 in the world snowboard cross rankings after claiming a silver medal in the final event of the season in the Spanish resort of La Molina.
Pullin qualified in second place behind World Cup leader Pierre Vaultier of France before blitzing his opposition in the early rounds of the final, winning his round of 32 encounter, his quarter-final and semi-final.
The 22-year-old AIS scholarship holder was narrowly beaten by Vaultier in the final.
The result lifted Pullin ahead of US rider Grahame Watanabe into second place on the World Cup rankings.
Vaultier was the runaway winner for the season, earning 5800 points on the back of five victories, while Pullin finished on 3120 points.
"I came away from the Olympics feeling a bit empty, because it was a mistake of my own that cost me a better result there at Cypress," Pullin said.
"But I really gained a hunger and motivation for the last two events of the season."
"I could feel my riding was on, I just wanted it to pay off with a good result."
"After the big win in Italy last weekend I didn't even celebrate that much, as I was already focused on Spain."
"I felt really fast in the course today and I took the win in every heat to the final by a long way. And I was happy to see Pierre there in the gate beside me in the final and have the chance to race him, as he's been the best rider for this season and had already sealed world No.1 ranking."
"I was strong out of the start and took a good lead, but after the third bank, he drafted my line and made a pass over the next jump. I pulled in right behind him, looking for the next opportunity to make a counter attack. I took the low line in the last bank and made up a bit of distance, but came across the line in second after a really tight battle."
"I'm stoked to have come away with such a good finish to the season and I'm really looking forward to the next season of World Cup already."
"I'm happy to have made up so many spots to take the world No.2 ranking, but now I aim to keep this momentum up and bring home a crystal globe of my own one day."