It's wrapped, Gee and Micayla won the Dual Slalom at Crankworx. Whistler was the site of much excitement, inside you'll be able to relive the action through photos and a recap.
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Words and Photos by David Peacock
On August 7, 2010, Whistler awoke to cloudy skies and freshly watered soil. Much to the delight of those registered to race the Dual Slalom, the track was slightly less dusty. The previous day, and its concurrent dryness, had brought about some worries about riders getting dusted out. The Whistler Bike Park Trail Crew had done an extraordinary job of maintaining the track, and ensuring that it was in perfect shape come race day, but the dry conditions were less than conducive to track upkeep. The light rain on Friday night proved to be monumental in helping the event occur at the highest possible level.
KHS team rider Logan Binggelli during practice. Click for BIG.
Mick Hannah airing the doubles at the top of the course.
Kevin Aiello popped his tube clean out, the noise this made was thunderous.
In the morning, pro men and women took to the course for practice until 11:00, at which time qualifying began. Notable standouts from practice were Jared Rando and Steve Smith, who were both finding lines that most were shirking away from. While Rando had a less than stellar qualifying day, Smiths time put him in second place. Mick Hannah had the fastest combined lap times, while Gee Atherton laid claim to the fastest single lap. This would prove indicative of the racing to come.
Kirt Voreis rocking timed qualifying in true form.
Learning the lines during practice leads to better results; here, Brendan Fairclough takes an easy one to get the routes dialed.
The moguls section was a fan favorite, and led to many bails amongst the less experienced racers.
Pro Men Qualifying
1. Mick Hannah - 54.57
2. Steve Smith - 54.71
3. Gee Atherton - 54.72
4. Mitch Ropelato - 54.95
5. Bryn Atkinson - 55.32
6. Brian Lopes - 55.33
7. Troy Brosnan - 55.37
8. Michal Prokop - 55.82
9. Mikey Sylvestri - 55.95
10. Sam Blenkinsop - 56.22
Guess who? Gee Atherton bringing the heat during qualifying.
Gee and photo legend Sven Martin share a moment.
Qualifying for the females was less hectic, and far less busy. As always, Jill Kintner was the standout, with Melissa Buhl, Micayla Gatto and Emmeline Ragot all challenging for a spot in the finals. While Gees qualifying foretold the future of pro men, the women were less predictable based on their qualifying positions.
Brendan Fairclough on a tricky berm-to-berm at the bottom; many were complaing about how high the flag was placed on the second corner...
Michal Prokop rounding the first parallel corner.
Pro Women Qualifying
1. Jill Kintner - 1:01.64
2. Melissa Buhl - 1:06.27
3. Emmeline Ragot - 1:06.62
4. Micayla Gatto - 1:09.14
Micayla Gatto chills with the boys atop the course.
Stevie Smith and Sam Blenkinsop humoring themselves.
Blurring out of the gate is Kevin Aiello.
Finals came at 6 PM sharp, and the brackets began gradually whittling themselves away into a battle of the best. Notable events included Brian Lopes crashing out and being unable to make up the 1.5 seconds in the second run against Gee Atherton. American Mikey Sylvestri managed to qualify above his mentor and teammate Kirt Voreis, but the youngster could not hold on against the worlds best. Still, Sylvestri will be a name to watch on the racing scene in the years to come. Another youthful Yank putting the hammer down was Mitch Ropelato. While we have known of his prowess on the track for some time, his riding at the Dual Slalom spoke for itself. Coming back from a collar bone injury, it appears as though Mitch is back to 100%, and will be challenging for podiums at major racing events from now on.
Fairclough kicking up some dust.
Stevie Smith was looking unstoppable until he met his match in 16-year-old Troy Brosnan, whose small stature seems to aid him in the short events, but hinder him on the long World Cup DH tracks. Brosnan kept his roll going until he eventually lost in the war for third to fellow countryman Mick Hannah. Hannah was excited about taking home the last podium spot, but understandably disappointed in not being able to back up his top qualifying time. Mick was at the bottom of the course with a smile for everyone who approached, and was signing hats with the dexterity of a skilled calligrapher.
Nice shoes, Riffle!
Mick Hannah getting low and buzzing the inside berm.
En route to victory, Micayla Gatto spans the final gap.
Mick Hannah getting the best of Troy Brosnan in the small finals.
The womens race was a battle until the final lap, and Whistler local Micayla Gatto stole the show. After beating Kintner in the semi-finals, she proceeded to take down reigning DH World Champion Emmeline Ragot and wrap up her second big win in the past month (she also won the Canadian National DH). Micayla lost her first run to Kintner, but managed to make up the time in round two, much to the surprise of many in attendance. Ragot took out Melissa Buhl in the semis, and was close to Gatto in the finals, but was unable to reign in the victory.
Brett Tippie interviews Gee at the finish line.
Gatto, Ragot, and Kintner.
Gee Atherton was on a mission from the start, unafraid of any challengers, including Lopes. Eventually, it came down to Ropelato vs. Atherton; run one saw Ropelato go down, and despite the fact that Mitch crossed the line in the final race of the evening first, his lead was less than the required 1.5 seconds. Thats it from Dual Slalom in 2010, well be back tomorrow with Garbanzo DH coverage, so stay tuned to Ridemonkey.
Hannah, Ropelato, and Atherton in first.
