Cassidy, British Columbia native Steve Smith has managed to top the field a this years Canadian Open. Its truly a great story to see a Canadian win on home soil, much the same way Americas Aaron Gwin won the 2011 US Open.
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Words and Photos by David Peacock
This seems to be the year of the patriot; Aaron Gwin has been consistently winning on home soil, having won both the US Open and more recently the Windham World Cup, while Vancouver Island resident Stevie Smith has just won the Canadian Open at Whistler, BC. The crowd on the slopes of the Whistler Bike Park were 100% behind Smith, cheering loudest for him on course, and raising the applause to another level when Smith took to the podium. Racing fans throughout the country are ecstatic, as is Smith himself.
The Canadian Open DH is my favourite event at Kokanee Crankworx. After getting a flat on the course last year I was ready to go hard this year, said Smith. This track suits my style; it is rough and technical, and one of my favourite trails to ride in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
Gee Atherton, last years champion, had a crash and was unable to compete for the win. South African Andrew Neethling, who has been confident of late after coming second at Windham, managed to slide behind Smith for second spot. Third place went to 18 year old Troy Brosnan, whos size has not hindered him throughout the season as hes currently sitting in a top ten World Cup overall position.
On the womens side of things, Rachel Atherton nearly broke the 3:30 mark, and smashed the competition by four seconds en route to victory. Claire Buchar landed in second spot, and Miranda Miller of Squamish took third.
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