July 31, 2005 (Fernie, B.C.) – Downhillers ripped up the 2.1-kilometre course today, flying down virtually the same route as last year. The only changes were three small double jumps, which were too small, according to last year’s men’s competition winner Geoff Pendrel (BC, Devinci-Daredevil).

Victory in the men’s race today went to Charles-Alexandre Dube (QC, DH Racer), who sped to the win in 3:26.36. Adriano Digiacinto (BC, Steed Cycles) careened into second place, only 1.58 back from the winner. Luke Kitzanuk’s (BC, Giant) third-place run was also within two seconds of the gold medal ride. Junior-aged Andrew Mitchell (BC, Cove Bikes) placed an impressive fourth in the elite men’s race.

There was controversy in the women’s race when Canada Cup leader Danika Schroeter (BC, Giant) was disqualified (after posting the fastest time by 12 seconds) because she forgot to wear her leader’s jersey. According to UCI rules, the series leader is required to wear the leader’s jersey in competition or face disqualification and a $200 fine. Schroeter said she wasn’t aware of the consequences until a commissaire told her at the start. She knew beforehand that she was supposed to wear the jersey, she said, but she had forgotten it at home. “If I had known [the consequences], I would have tried harder [to find a leader’s jersey before the race],” she said.

Because of her disqualificaiton, a disappointed Schroeter lost valuable Canada Cup points and her series lead. Fionn Griffiths (GBR, Norco) won the race as a result of Schroeter’s disqualification. When Griffiths saw that the commissaires were not going to do something about Schroeter’s rule violation, she felt it was her responsibility to protest. “Rules are rules, as far as I’m concerned,” she said afterwards. “I would’ve said something if it would have been first, second or third place.”

“We’re racing in the pro category. That’s how it should be.” Griffiths also added that the Canada Cup Series is a big deal and not just a local race, so it’s important to take it seriously.

She felt bummed that it came down to her to say something, since it was actually the responsibility of the commissaires, she said. At this point, several of the men’s downhill racers have started a petition in support of Schroeter to overturn the commissaires’ decision. The petitioners argue that Schroeter’s punishment is too harsh as the Canada Cup title is now out of her reach. Junior men’s National Champion Steve Chan (BC, Independent) won his race in 3:39.31. Kyle Ritchie (BC, Oakley-Kona-NRG) pulled into second, just over three seconds back. It was Derek Lowell (ON, Cyclepath-Giant), who took third. The only junior woman in the downhill competition, Micayla Gato (BC, On the Edge) laid down a smoking run. She clocked in at 4:17.54, a time which would have won her the elite woman’s competition.

Results
Elite Men
1. Charles-Alexandre Dube (QC, DH Racer) 3:26.36
2. Adriano Digiacinto (BC, Steed Cycles) at 1.58
3. Luke Kitzanuk (BC, Giant) 1.92
4. Andrew Mitchell (BC, Cove Bikes) 2.04
5. Connor Macleod (BC, Cove Bikes) 5.49
6. Dominick Menard (QC, CGI) 6.07
7. Eric Goss (NB, Giant) 6.47
8. Mathieu Laurin (QC, Devinci-Daredevil) 6.68
9. Rohan Gearing (BC, Cove Bikes) 7.14
10. Geoff Pendrel (NB, Devinci-Daredevil) 10.16

Elite Women (Unofficial, protest pending)
1. Fionn Griffiths (GBR, Norco) 4:27.76
2. Adrienne Miller (BC, Devinci-Daredevil) at 1.52
DSQ Danika Schroeter (BC, Giant)

Junior Expert Men
1. Steve Chan (BC, Independent) 3:39.31
2. Kyle Ritchie (BC, Oakley-Kona-NRG) at 3.21
3. Derek Lowell (ON, Cyclepath-Giant) 3.28
4. Jay Zorn (BC, Selkirk Sports) 3.47
5. Nick Dent (BC, Giant) 5.99

Junior Women
1. Micayla Gato (BC, On the Edge) 4:17.54