Mitch Ropelato reminded everyone of the show he put on last year by destroying the field, from Brian Lopes to Mick Hannah. Jill Kintner managed to get revenge on local Micayla Gatto; inside are 30 photos for your viewing pleasure.
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Words and Photos by David Peacock
One year ago Mitch Ropelato came second in the Crankworx Dual Slalom, and has time and again proven his speed aboard a little bike. This time around, Ropelato conquered all comers and held off Mick Hannah in the finals to emerge victorious on the resplendent slopes of Whistler, BC. After the race, Ropelato was swarmed by media and friends congratulating him on the win.
The skies threatened, but produced little more than a drizzle.
"I was just glad to one-up last year, it feels really good. I just tried to keep it flowing all day and the course was great." - Mitch Ropelato
The women's side of things was less exhaustive, as there were far less competitors. Nonetheless, the racing was competitive and entertaining to say the least. American Jill Kintner took the win by a solid margin over Whistler's own Micayla Gatto in the finals. It was a true reversal of the events from a year ago, when Gatto was able to unseat the queen of dual. Revenge was sweet for Kintner.
"I was just riding how I normally ride, there was no pressure really. I really love my bike (Transition Double) and it was great to get to ride it again. It feels like home!" - Jill Kintner
We will have full results to you as soon as they become available. Here is a gallery from the day's events, remember to click on the photos if you want hi-res!
Things get a little blurry when you do lap after lap on the dual track. Dan Atherton spins the wheel in this shot. He was on fire all day and definitely showed that he has his pace back.
Jill Kintner was as on point as ever, proving that despite her recent focus on DH she's still the best on the dual track.
The track held up despite Whistler weather attempting to ruin it...
Cam Zink decided to race the dual on his Evil slope bike; kid's fast but hanging with the big boys is another thing altogether.
Brendan Fairclough getting all stylish on the first feature. This steep roll was giving a lot of racers trouble today, but the fastest guys didn't seem too worried.
Having moved off TWR this year and onto the Giant Factory Team, Andrew Neethling struggled a little earlier in the year, but seems to be finding his form.
Troy Brosnan did well last year whenever a slalom or pumptrack event was held, and this year he has really come into form. He looked fast all day but eventually lost in the quarters.
Fairclough.
Danny Hart has been on an absolute tear this year, but couldn't beat Lear Miller today, losing out early.
Guido Tschugg returning to Whistler for another good showing. He just missed the podium.
Strait continues to impress with his versatility. Not many people can hang with the top guys on both a slopestyle course or a race track..
...but Tyler McCaul falls into that category as well. Hats off to those two!
Brendan Fairclough lost to Olympian turned bike racer Chris Del Bosco. His knee is evidently hindering his performance, but Del Bosco turned a lot of heads today!
Dan Atherton put in a really impressive effort but couldn't quite make finals.
Ropelato is one of those enviable characters who manages to keep style with speed.
The kid defeated the master...Brian Lopes against Ropelato was one of the tightest match ups of the day.
Strait snagged third place and 1000 CAD, which means he's rich in US dollars! His opponent in the small final opted not to ride the second run, which allowed Strait the opportunity to trick his way down the course, much to the fan's delight!
Keeping it steezy in defeat, Strait lost this one but seemed excited at finishing third.
Whistler local and Commencal Young Gun Micayla Gatto in the semi-finals...she would eventually have her hopes of a repeat dashed by Kintner.
Ropelato and Mick Hannah had a great pair of runs in the finals, with both runs staying relatively close until the end.
Jill cruising to victory.
Gracious in defeat, Gatto congratulates Kintner.
That's it, that's all from the 2011 Crankworx dual slalom, get stoked for Canadian Open tomorrow!
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