April 18, 2005 “” Jared Graves (USA) of San Diego, California beat out some heavy hitters in yesterday’s downhill, including 2004 World Champion Fabien Barel (FRA, Kona-Les Gets) and last year’s World Cup winner Steve Peat (GBR, Team Orange). Graves’ time of 2:20.1 was just tenths of second quicker than Peat’s, who placed second.

Tracy Moseley (GBR, Kona-Les Gets) motored down the difficult course in a winning time of 2:36.6. Kathy Pruitt (USA, Luna Women’s Team) had to settle for second with a time only one-tenth of a second slower. Fionn Griffiths (GBR, Norco) was third. Canada’s Claire Buchar (CAN, Merlanduo) placed 11th.

Riders found the revised course physically challenging, as it required more pedaling than in previous years, but still required precise handling and technical skills.

Results

Men
1. Jared Graves (USA) 2:20.1
2. Steve Peat (GBR, Team Orange) 2:20.9
3. Fabien Barel (FRA, Kona-Les Gets) 2:21.4
4. Mick Hannah (AUS, Haro Bicycles) 2:21.5
5. John Kirkcaldie (USA, Maxxis) 2:22.3
6. Cedric Gracia (FRA, Siemens-Cannondale) 2:23.3
7. Mike King (USA, Oakley) 2:23.5
8. Ryan Finney (USA, Specialized) 2:23.6
9. Brian Lopes (USA, G.T.) 2:24.1
10. Bryn Atkinson (USA, G.T.) 2:25.0

Women
1. Tracy Moseley (GBR, Kona-Les Gets) 2:36.6
2. Kathy Pruitt (USA, Luna Women”šs Team) 2:36.7
3. Fionn Griffiths (GBR, Norco) 2:41.3
4. Sabrina Jonnier (FRA, Intense) 2:41.9
5. Vanessa Quin (NZL, Intense) 2:49.0
6. Anneke Beerten (USA, Specialized) 2:49.6
7. Melissa Buhl (USA, KHS) 2:50.1
8. April Lawyer (USA, Maxxis) 2:51.9
9. Lisa Myklak (USA) 2:54.0
10. Tara Llanes (USA, Giant) 2:55.5

Canadians:
11. Claire Buchar (Merlanduo) 2:55.