Chris Kovarik continued his streak of Crankworx success at today's Monster Energy Garbanzo Downhill. Anne-Caro Chausson won the ladies division, besting Miranda Miller of Canada. Read on for full coverage...
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Words and Photos by David Peacock
The day of racing was long, but the race laps grew ever shorter as racers made their way down from the top of Wistlers Garbanzo chairlift. The winning time, 13:22, was over 20 seconds faster than Justin Leovs winning time a year ago. Track conditions were very influential in lowering the overall times, as light rains throughout the morning made everything tacky and easy to ride, for the pros, that is. The amateur racers struggled more, as the rocks and roots that Garbo is famous for acquired a layer grease as the Juniors were on track.
Monster Ms and digital clocks are of little solace at the top of a 15 minute race course.
But you still handed over entry fees! Ha! It's good to see some humor in racing.
You have to be prepared mentally...
"Shirt's untied!"
By the time the likes of Steve Smith and Luke Strobel saw the timing wand flick aside, conditions were ideal. The Pro Men category was plodding along until 16-year-old prodigy Troy Brosnan proved any and all doubters of his stamina wrong by posting the top time. However, it took less time than it takes an announcer to reach a racer before Curtis Keene arrived at the line ahead of the youngster. In fact, not only was Keene the first to break the 14-minute mark, he also managed to shatter it. At 13:41, Keenes time looked as though it might hold up.
Please remember to click on the photos to view them larger.
Anne Caroline Chausson made her triumphant return to downhill, as she took the womens class, quite handily at that. Whistler local Miranda Miller came in second for the ladies, and Norco Factory team rider Fionn Griffiths wrapped up the medals. Notably absent was Rachel Atherton, who is clearly still feeling the effects of her injury. She has been riding the hill all weekend though, so expect to see her back on the podium soon.
The uphill section after Duffman is an absolute killer, and seems to go on forever.
Popping some style on a section this fast is no small feat.
Chris Kovarik was the seventh-to-last rider, and he reminded all the spectators and viewers of his skill level and fitness. In the past few years, Kovarik has been less dominant than in days of old, but today was a bit of a throwback to the 13-second win races. His time bested Keene by nearly 20 seconds, and it started to look all but assured that Kovarik would walk away with the Garbanzo title.
Nico Vouilloz on his Lapierre.
Canadian National Champ Andrew Mitchell.
American boy Luke Strobel making the final push.
Rider after rider, the conquerors fell, unable to best the leading time. Justin Leov came closest, but was still 7 seconds off the pace. Just three riders remained, albeit three of the fastest, and as a result Kovariks chances of winning were nothing to discount. Sam Blenkinsop materialized from the woods of Whistler mountain, but was a sizable 17 seconds behind Kovarik. At the bottom, Blenki dropped word that Brendan Fairclough fell victim to a mechanical; this pesky truth of mountain biking victimized what would have been a top run.
Unfortunately for everyone involved, Kovarik caught me changing positions, hence the crappy photo. Oh well, there's your winner, folks!
Stevie Smith finished a bit behind, but looks good here.
Sam Blenkinsop over the GLC drop and into third place.
Today's face of victory.
The last man on track, Gee Atherton, was understandably worn out from going innumerable rounds in winning the dual slalom on Saturday. His time showed an uncharacteristic element of fatigue, and Kovarik was crowned the winner. That concludes the evening's proceedings, we'll be back for the Air DH on Wednesday, so keep your radio dials tuned to Ridemonkey. Cheers!
