Gillings is now ranked fifth in the world

Isle of Man snowboarder Zoe Gillings ended her FIS World Cup campaign in style on Friday with a third-place finish in Valmalenco, Italy.

The result sees the Manx snowboarder's world ranking rise two places from seven to five.

Gillings said: "It was great to make the podium and to improve my ranking is a big bonus."

The event was won by Canadian Maelle Ricker with compatriot Dominique Maltais second.

The overall title was won by American Lindsey Jacobellis.

Gillings emerged battered and bruised from her races, having suffered a mid-air collision with Olivia Nobs of Switzerland in the semi-final.

Despite the collision, Gillings continued to finish second in that race, while Nobs unfortunately had to be taken away from the course on a stretcher.

In the circumstances, her third place in the final was an impressive performance.

She said: "I think it was pure adrenaline that got me through the finals and that's wearing off now.

"I'm delighted with the result. It's a brilliant end to the season. I'm glad I managed to stay on my feet throughout the finals, a podium finish is perfect."

The British number one will now be giving her full attention to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Gillings, 23, is widely considered one of Britain's best hopes for a medal at the 2010 games.

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