August 15, 2014 (Whistler, BC) – After a month-long dry stretch, Mother Nature decided to throw an extra challenge at racers in today’s Fox Air DH at Crankworx Whistler. But neither greasy conditions nor recent injuries could slow down the world’s top racers – Jill Kintner (USA) topped the Pro Women’s podium for the second year in a row, while Mick Hannah (AUS) got back in the game in a big way, returning to competition leaving fear and a recent shoulder injury behind him.
“The rain came in and the track was inconsistent – some spots were slippery and some spots were really good. It was hard to know where to push and where not to,” said Hannah. “I’m just really happy to get down safe and get a good result. It’s a good boost for the confidence.”
The win was especially key for Hannah who’s been sidelined for the past nine weeks after shoulder reconstruction surgery resulting from a crash in Fort William. Hannah said today’s conditions definitely made him a bit nervous.
“I’ve been riding for a week so it’s like, the muscles are really tired and I’m just trying to get back to strength. The main goal is World Championships which is in three weeks, so to get a result like this is really cool.”
Coming in a close second place was fellow Aussie Chris Kovarik (AUS) who finished just 1.2 seconds behind Hannah, while Danny Hart (GBR) took third, 4.86 seconds back.
Ahead of the men, the women took their turn to jump, scrub and whip their way down A-Line. Now in its 11th year at Crankworx, the women’s race has only seen a repeat champ one other time. Kintner’s win today, in 4:42.69, puts an end to that and reinforces her reputation as one of the most versatile female riders, especially given how physical track is.
“People think it’s smooth but it’s pretty rough today,” said Kintner. “These jumps are meant for cruising and to race them is really challenging.”
One step down from Kintner, Anneke Beerten (NED) took second place while Mick’s sister, Tracey Hannah (AUS), took third.
A-Line is one of the world’s infamous trails – with 39 jumps and 30 berms over a 1200 meter vertical descent, its reputation is well-earned. While the skill and speed on this challenging track earned Kintner and Hannah a spot in Crankworx history today, the vibe around the race is what most who watched the event will likely take away. The appearance of the Nitro Circus crew, including Travis Pastrana, racing with plate number 199, whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Meanwhile a series of stylish trains, including Eliot Jackson (USA) and Bernard Kerr (GBR) as well as the Masters brothers, Eddie (NZL) and Wyn (NZL), showcased just how much riders love this event.
The most memorable moment of the day though came from French rider Fab Cousinie (FRA). Cousinie cruised into temporary first place in a button-up shirt and bow-tie – when approached by the broadcast host, Cousinie stole the show by getting down on one knee and proposing to his girlfriend, undoubtedly a Crankworx first.
While Hannah’s winning time boosted him ahead of today’s contenders, it was still well under last year’s winning time – Steve Smith (CAN) won the Fox Air DH last year with a commanding time of 4:12:08. Smith’s absence has been a noticeable one in many of the downhill races at this year’s Crankworx – an ankle injury has rendered him unable to defend his titles from last year, including one of the most popular downhill races at Crankworx, the Canadian Open DH. Smith has won the event for the past three years. In his place the world will definitely watching Hannah to see if he can repeat today’s success, as well as Marcelo Gutierrez Villegas (COL) who smashed yesterday’s Garbanzo DH. Several other riders said to be competing are carrying some momentum from recent World Cup rounds, as well as past Crankworx races, including Troy Brosnan (AUS), Danny Hart (GBR) and Andrew Neethling (RSA).
The Canadian Open DH at Crankworx Whistler is set for this Sunday, August 17, with amateur divisions from 11:30am-2:30pm and Pro Division (live webcast on Red Bull TV and www.crankworx.com) from 3-5pm.
Video highlights of all the action in Whistler will be released here.
Pro Women
1. Jill Kintner (USA) Norco International 4:42.69
2. Anneke Beerten (Ned) Specialized 7.06
3. Tracey Hannah (Aus) Hutchinson UR 9.58
4. Vaea Verbeeck (Can) Intense GoPro 10.07
5. Claire Buchar (Can) Kovarik Racing 10.87
6. Casey Brown (Can) Bergamont Hayes 19.31
8. Jamie Hill (Can) Juliana 21.47
14. Erica Lawson (Can) Black Market 29.77
16. Kirby Mclean (Can) AFD Racing 32.05
17. Georgia Astle (Can) Cycling BC/Raceface 32.47
Pro Men (top 50)
1. Mick Hannah (Aus) Hutchinson UR 4:22.88
2. Chris Kovarik (Aus) Kovarik Racing 1.20
3. Danny Hart (Gbr) Giant Factory 4.86
6. Kyle Sangers (Can) Perform X Commencal 6.19
8. Alexander Geddes (Can) Norco Factory Team 6.37
11. Ian Morrison (Can) Devinci/Fox Head/Smith 8.51
12. Remi Gauvin (Can) Perform X Commencal 9.22
14. Mark Wallace (Can) Devinci Global Racing 9.54
16. Nicholas Geddes (Can) Norco 10.24
23. Dean Tennant (Can) Dunbar Cycles/Transition 13:09
28. Bracken Camilleri (Can) 16:14
30. McKay Vezina (Can) Cycles Devinci 16:83
38. Darren Berrecloth (Can) Specialized 18:57
41. Rob Fraser (Can) Dunbar Cycles/S4 Suspension 18:82
43. Rhys Ellis (Can) Fox Spy Norco 19.01
44. Jordie Lunn (Can) Rockstar Energy/IS eyewear 19:21
46. Robert Venables (Can) Dunbar Cycles 20:06
50. Ben Yeager (Can) 21:57
Full results here.