August 26, 2017 (Val di Sole, ITA) – Canada’s Finnley Iles (Specialized Racing) captured his second consecutive Junior Men’s DH overall title while Myriam Nicole (Fra) Commencal / Vallnord took home her first Elite Women’s overall series jersey.
The USA’s Aaron Gwin was also successful at defending his series crown while Melanie Chappaz (Fra) Dorval AM Nicolai won the Junior women’s season title as the series wrapped up in Val di Sole, Italy on Saturday.
Iles was unstoppable winning both the qualification round and the finale as well for a near perfect season and his second series jersey proving he’s up the challenge.
The B.C. shredder dominated the series with only one loss this season at round #2 in Fort William, Scotland where he was second. His nearest rival was over 200 points behind him. Chappaz was also a dominant force this season in the junior women’s competition.
Canada’s Miranda Miller raced to 7th in the finale to finish 9th overall, one spot better than last year. Fellow Canuck Vaea Verbeeck did not start and was 11th overall.
It was an emotional victory for Nicole as she finished second to Tahnee Seagrave (Gbr) Transition Bikes / FMD Factory who won the final round with a decisive 3.098-second margin. Tracey Hannah (Aus) Polygon UR was third and Rachel Atherton (Gbr) Trek Factory Racing DH ended up 4th.
“I wasn’t sure I had it but when I saw my boyfriend and my parents smiling and celebrating I knew I’d done it,” said Nicole. “It’s a dream come true and I’m so happy to finally win the overall title.”
Canada’s Mark Wallace (Canyon Factory Racing DH) delivered a solid 7th place run in the Elite men’s race for a career-best 8th overall as Gwin prevailed against all challengers for a resounding season-end win to defend his series title. Henry Fitzgerald (Can) Norco Factory Racing finished 60th while Forrest Riesco (Can) was 69th.
Troy Brosnan (Aus) Canyon Factory Racing DH landed 5th on the final podium and ended up second overall as Greg Minnaar (RSA) Santa Cruz Syndicate flatted early and almost lost his rear wheel running across the finish line to end up 3rd overall.
“I’m stoked to take the win and the title,” said Gwin. “It’s hard to put into words and I’m kind of soaking in the moment. It was a gnarly weekend and I just wanted to ride and do my thing. The track here is so challenging and your body knows it’s a championship weekend so you just cannot wait for the moment to race.
“My run was good but it could have gone either way. I felt like I was riding good and went a little sloppy with a few mistakes but it was the same for everyone. Only a few people know all of the ups and downs this season and I want to thank my team and everyone who supported me. It was an epic, perfect effort all around.
Results here.
