Andrej Šibalić Finishes 20th at European Cup in Landgraaf

Andrej Šibalić, the Montenegrin para snowboarder, secured a 20th place finish during the second day of the European Cup held in Landgraaf, Netherlands. Competing in the LL2 category, Šibalić completed the banked slalom in a time of **47.35 seconds**, improving his performance by over **15 hundredths of a second** compared to his earlier run on the same day.

This event marked Šibalić’s first international competition of the season, and he managed to earn his first points in the ongoing campaign. Both races in Landgraaf contributed to his efforts to qualify for the upcoming Paralympic Games.

Strong Competition and Performance

The competition was fierce, with a total of **22 para snowboarders** vying for points. The day’s races were dominated by **Vendi Jan** from China, who claimed victory, followed by Japan’s **Shinjii Tabuchi** and the United States’ **Alex Rivera**. This strong showing by Jan and his competitors showcases the high level of talent present in the event.

Despite finishing in the same position on both days, Šibalić demonstrated significant improvement in his time, reflecting his dedication to the sport. His performance not only highlights individual skill but also emphasizes the growing competitiveness in para snowboarding.

Looking Ahead

With this event marking the start of his season, Šibalić is focused on accumulating points to strengthen his bid for a spot at the **2024 Paralympic Games**. The experience gained in Landgraaf will be invaluable as he prepares for future competitions.

As the season progresses, the Montenegrin athlete aims to build on his momentum and continue developing his skills. The support from his team and the lessons learned from this competition will undoubtedly play a critical role in his journey towards the Paralympics.

Šibalić’s resilience and commitment serve as an inspiration, not only for aspiring para athletes but also for all sports enthusiasts. As he continues to strive for excellence, the community will be watching closely as he navigates the challenges ahead.