April 19, 2008 (Laguna Seca, CA) – Under clear skies and cool temperatures the pro men and women battled for the year’s only major Dual Slalom competition title. Winds were gusting and turning the entire venue into a dust bowl, blowing over tents and a gigantic inflatable slide. On course action saw 2007 DH world champion Sabrina Jonnier (Fra) Maxxis Iron Horse take home another win against a decent women’s field. She breezed through the heats to take the win against the USA’s Melissa Buhl (KHS). Canada’s Micayla Gatto (Oakley/Commencal) placed 7th after being knocked out in the 1/4 finals when she had to go up against Jonnier.

Greg Minnaar (RSA) Santa Cruz Syndicate proved his Crankworx slalom performance in 2007 was no fluke, and took home the win for the men against teammate Steve Peat (Gbr). Many favorites were knocked out early as the slippery, dusty corners claimed victim after victim including the likes of World 4x champion Brian Lopes.

Results

1/16 Finals

Elite Men

Heat 1
1. Brian Lopes
2. Matti Lehikoinen

Heat 2
1. Christopher Herndon
2. Justin Leov

Heat 3
1. Steve Peat (Gbr) Santa Cruz Syndicate
2. Eric Carter

Heat 4
1. Rich Houseman
2. Dave Wardell

Heat 5
1. Cole Bangert
2. Mike Haderer

Heat 6
1. Kirt Voreis
2. Jurgen Beneke

Heat 7
1. Amiel Cavelier
2. Chris Boice

Heat 8
1. Sam Blenkinsop
2. Josh Bryceland

Heat 9
1. Lars Stenberg
2. Chris Powell

Heat 10
1. Andrew Neethling
2. Gee Atherton

Heat 11
1. Christopher Kovarick
2. Geritt Beytagh

Heat 12
1. Nathan Rennie
2. John Hauer

Heat 13
1. Dan Atherton
2. Aaron Gwin

Heat 14
1. Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate)
2. Ryan Condrashoff

Heat 15
1. Kyle Strait
2. Cody Warren

Heat 15
1. Jared Rando
2. George Stephenson

1/8 Finals

Elite Men

Heat 1
1. Brian Lopes
2. Christopher Herndon

Heat 2
1. Steve Peat (Gbr) Santa Cruz Syndicate
2. Rich Houseman

Heat 3
1. Kirt Voreis
2. Cole Bangert

Heat 4
1. Sam Blenkinsop
2. Amiel Cavelier

Heat 5
1. Andrew Neethling
2. Lars Sternberg

Heat 6
1. Christopher Kovarick
2. Nathan Rennie

Heat 7
1. Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate)
2. Dan Atherton

Heat 8
1. Jared Rando
2. Kyle Strait

Elite Women

Heat 1
1. Sabrina Jonnier (Fra) Maxxis Iron Horse
2. Britney White

Heat 2
1. Micayla Gatto (Can) Oakley/Commencal
2. Joanna Petterson

Heat 3
1. Kathy Pruitt
2. Caroline Jarolime

Heat 4
1. Fionn Griffiths
2. Leana Gerrard

Heat 5
1. Melissa Buhl (USA) KHS
2. Sondra Williamson

Heat 6
1. Mio Suemasa
2. Katie Holden

Heat 7
1. Marla Streb
2. Anneka Beerten

Heat 8
1. Rachel Atherton
2. Jessica Vogt

1/4 Finals

Elite Men

Heat 1
1. Steve Peat (Gbr) Santa Cruz Syndicate
2. Brian Lopes

Heat 2
1. Kirt Voreis
2. Sam Blenkinsop

Heat 3
1. Andrew Neethling
2. Christopher Kovarick

Heat 4
1. Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate)
2. Jared Rando

Elite Women

Heat 1
1. Sabrina Jonnier (Fra) Maxxis Iron Horse
2. Micayla Gatto (Can) Oakley/Commencal

Heat 2
1. Fionn Griffiths
2. Kathy Pruitt

Heat 3
1. Melissa Buhl (USA) KHS
2. Mio Suemesa

Heat 4
1. Rachel Atherton
2. Marla Streb

Semi Finals

Elite Men

Heat 1
1. Steve Peat (Gbr) Santa Cruz Syndicate
2. Kirt Voreis

Heat 2
1. Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate)
2. Andrew Neethling

Elite Women

Heat 1
1. Sabrina Jonnier (Fra) Maxxis Iron Horse
2. Fionn Griffiths

Heat 2
1. Melissa Buhl (USA) KHS
2. Rachel Atherton

Finals

Elite Men

Heat 1
1. Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate)
2. Steve Peat (Santa Cruz Syndicate)

Heat 2
3. Andrew Neethling
4. Kirt Voreis

Elite Women

Heat 1
1. Sabrina Jonnier (Fra) Maxxis Iron Horse
2. Melissa Buhl (USA) KHS

Heat 2
3. Fionn Griffiths
4. Rachael Atherton