Jamie Nicholls admitted he surprised even himself after taking second in the latest snowboarding slopestyle World Cup in Seiser Alm, Italy.
It was a first podium of the season for Nicholls and follows on from his slopestyle win in the Czech Republic during the last campaign.
The 23-year-old saved his best until last on Friday, upping his score on his third and final run to take silver with a score of 87.90.
Gold went to Belgium’s Seppe Smits after his first run score of 88.30 was not bettered by anyone else while his compatriot Sebbe de Buck was third with 85.75.
There was further success for Great Britain with Billy Morgan fourth on 84.40 and Rowan Coultas seventh on 78.55 while Aimee Fuller put down a solid run to finish fifth in the women’s competition.
After three of six slopestyle competitions this season, Nicholls finds himself fourth in the World Cup standings, with Norway’s Mons Roysland leading despite being absent on Friday.
Nicholls said: "I can't believe I made it on the podium today in Italy. It's been a tough couple of weeks with a little injury, but today was a good day in the office!! I can't wait for the next few weeks."
Photo credit: GB Park and Pipe