Bakuriani in Georgia is due to host back-to-back Snowboard Cross World Cup ©Getty Images

Bakuriani in Georgia is the latest stop on the International Ski Federation (FIS) Snowboard Cross World Cup circuit, with back-to-back sets of races scheduled this week.

Qualifying is due to take place tomorrow, ahead of men's and women's World Cups on Thursday and Friday (February 4 and 5).

With three races gone, the men's and women's standings are eye-catchingly similar, with Austria's reigning World Cup champion Alessandro Hämmerle top of the men's pile.

Hämmerle has won two of this season's races, including last time out in Reiteralm in Austria, but placed second at the FIS Cross World Championships last month.

Defending World Cup champion Michela Moioli of Italy tops the women's standings with two wins from three and also came second at the World Championships.

Michela Moioli is on course to defend her Snowboard Cross World Cup crown ©Getty Images
Michela Moioli is on course to defend her Snowboard Cross World Cup crown ©Getty Images

Moioli, who is also the reigning Olympic champion, has a 45-point advantage over Czech athlete Eva Samková.

Hämmerle is 58 points better off than second-place Éliot Grondin of Canada.

After Bakuriani, Veysonnaz in Switzerland is due to stage the season-ending World Cup on March 20.

The Georgian resort hosted Ski Cross World Cup races last weekend.