Drew Neilson of North Vancouver won the bronze medal on Saturday in the men’s snowboardcross competition to earn the FIS World Cup season title in the event.

Neilson, a three-time World Cup snowboard cross winner this season, reached a career goal. ‘’ I’m really stoked about winning my first Crystal Globe (season title) today,’’ said Neilson. ‘’I had a good day today, but I would have loved to finish with another win. I rode well, but just didn’t have a great start on my final run. The Crystal Globe is something I’ve been working towards for my whole career, and it feels great to finally be able to claim that title.’’

Pierre Vaultier of France won Saturday’s season-ending event with Nick Baumgartner of the U.S., second.

Maelle Ricker of Squamish, B.C., was the top Canadian woman placing fifth. Helene Olafsen of Norway took the gold with Diane Thermoz of France second and Tanja Frieden of Switzerland third. Lindsey Jacobellis of the U.S., didn’t compete, but still won the season title.

Canada had eight men qualify to the final round. Quebec riders Christelle Doyon and François Boivin were ninth and 11th respectively. Doyon was eliminated in the quarterfinals finishing third in her heat after falling. She places 11th in the snowboard cross season standings in her first full year on the circuit. Boivin was also ousted in the quarters placing third in his heat. He places eighth overall.

Jasey-Jay Anderson was eliminated in the round of 16 finishing third in his heat behind Boivin. Nate Holland of the U.S., disrupted the race when he landed too far after a jump.

Simon Bonenfant, a bronze medallist at the season-opening event in Furano, was 47th in qualifying and didn’t advance.

The halfpipe competition concludes the World Cup season on Sunday.

For full results go to www.fis-ski.com