Source: Commencal
The World Championship event that took place this weekend in Mont Saint-Anne, Quebec was one that held some surprises. The race favorites were not able to express their potential due to the weather conditions and a one-day event that does not allow for errors.
In the ladies event, Rachel Atherton rode hard with the aim of repeating her 2008 result but crashed just before the intermediate point, effectively ending her chances of a podium finish. The winner ended up being her compatriot Tracy Mosely, ahead of three french riders (Sabrina Jonnier, Emmeline Ragot, Floriane Pugin). Worth mentioning is the great performance of Myriam Nicole, with a sixth place finish.
The mens race was a completely different scenario. The rain decided to show up just as the last top riders were about to ride their run. A heavy shower transformed the track from dry and dusty to extremely slippery, thus removing any chance of victory for the favorites. An impressive Sam Hill turned the tables on all bets placed and surprised everyone by launching down the track just before the rain. He ended up winning ahead of Steve Smith and Greg Minnaar. Gee Atherton, second- last man down the mountain, was not able to better the best time and ended up finishing in fifth place.
Some good news for COMMENCAL during this World Championship event was Caroline Buchanan's second World 4X Championship title, won on an Absolut 4X Titanium.
Despite the bad luck that the Atherton clan had in Canada, nothing can take away from Gee's achievement of winning the overall World Cup, with three victories, two seconds and a third place. Rachel was able to win two rounds and take a third place, underlining her DH credentials, and despite a mid season injury which saw her out of action for a couple of races.
Next rendezvous in 2011 with the handlebars of their new downhill bike in their grips: the SUPREME DH
