Source: Phil Mowatt
Today started with rain and a greasy practice session. After the Juniors ran the sun came out and dried things up a bit before the elite women started down the course. Throughout the duration of the elite race there were periods of rain and then bright sunshine.
The revised MSA course has everything to offer, lots of speed, rocks, roots, big jumps and flat out pedally sections. The crowd was the biggest I have ever seen at a DH event, spectators lined the tapes several people deep along the most exciting sections. The sound of cheers, cowbells, air horns and homemade noise makers was immense; everyone had a great day on the mountain.
Women's final
Following her lead on the timed practice, Tracy Moseley demolished the field seven seconds ahead of silver medalist Sabrina Jonnier.
Tracy has been racing the world cup circuit for 10 years; during that time her best World Championship results were Silver medals at Rotorua in 2006 and 2009 in Canberra. Everyone was excited to see Tracy finally on the top step of the World Championship podium.
It was hard luck for Canadian hopeful and national champion Micayla Gatto as she came past us with what looked like a flat on the rear, even with a flat she was still pushing hard. Claire Buchar took 9th riding the technical rock lines with precision and control and the legend Leigh Donavan flew by showing everyone she has still got the goods, even after all these years away from the World Cup circuit.
Men's final
There were lots of predictions flying around for who'd be taking over the rainbow stripes; could Gee Atherton potentially take a double win this year, Greg Minnaar has been riding consistent and strong all season, Sam Hill who recently returned from injury and of course last year's champion and the peoples favorite Steve Peat. Canadian golden boy Steve Smith from Vancouver Island was the best chance that Canada had on home turf. This year Stevie finished 10th overall in the world cup standings and Canada's hopes were that he might make top 5.
Earlier in the week Stevie Smith crashed in training, hurting his shoulder and his timed practice run which he finished at the back of the pack. When he came into sight on the course today the response from the crowd was huge and he was looking like the fastest rider yet, shortly after we got a message from Sarah Fenton who was watching online. -" Stevie Smith is in the hot seat!" with this announcement the crowd went wild.
We watched Sam Hill come though looking solid, fast and smooth. Mitch Delfs and Ryan Vanderham threw down some of the most dialed sections at an incredible pace. Greg Minnaar was cooking and shoulder-checked thick tree out of his way and Thomas Vanderham showed everyone again he is more than just a freerider.
Official UCI Results
After reviewing the results I was most impressed with of the younger elites. British youngster Danny Hart, just 18 years old and 140lbs (also apparently Danny has the smallest calves according to another hilarious edition of Wynn TV) finished in 8th position and impressively his time shared the same half second as Steve Pete (7th) and Marc Beaumont (8th ) Considering how physically tough the course is, Danny's performance today was inspiring.
Another great performance was from 19 year old Brook Macdonald who placed 55th in timed practice but today finished 12th in the Elite Men's finals, his time at the split was 5th fastest overall.
An article about the Junior DH Men and Women will be posted tomorrow
