September 15, 2012 (Hafjell, Norway) – It was a great day for Canada at the final round of the 2012 Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup in Norway. Canada’s Steve Smith (BC) Devinci Global Racing took home his first ever World Cup gold, while Casey Brown (Can) PerformX Young Guns took home 4th place in the women’s race with the win going to Rachel Atherton (Gbr) GT Factory Racing.

After rain earlier in the week, the racing took place under no less than perfect conditions with blue skies and mild temperatures. The track here in Norway has been the site of the European Championships in years past but is brand new to the World Cup. With an exceptional bike park, and fantastic terrain, the course had most racers smiling from ear to ear. It encompassed everything from massive bike-park-style jumps and berms, to some of the most technical rock gardens the World Cup has ever seen.

Smith qualified first on Saturday and was a favourite to win all week after flying down the track run after run. He brings home Canada’s first Elite Men’s World Cup DH win since Dustin Adam many years ago.

“I’m so pumped man. I had no idea during the run. I’m sure I felt like everybody, but there was an insane head wind at the top. I knew the track was running way faster, but I couldn’t go any faster – the wind just wasn’t letting me.

“Pedalling in I could see green, so I knew I had a good split. I crossed just barely ahead, but it was enough. I’m pumped. Brakes are my best friend now! Putting together race runs has taken awhile but here it is. I’m so stoked.”

For the women it was Rachel Atherton who took home the win, as well as the World Cup overall taking home the crystal trophy. Brown was incredibly happy with her first podium, after only three World Cup events.  “It went pretty damn good. I stayed on my bike, I’m happy with it. It wasn’t as clean a run as I had hoped, I had a few washouts. I don’t know how to ride clips good enough yet, I almost fell off my bike a few times. But I’m happy.”

The World Cup overall title for the men went to American Aaron Gwin (Trek World Racing) who locked up the title after the last event in Val d’Isere, France. Gwin suffered an injury to his hand while training this week and couldn’t ride the final. Smith finished the season 4th in the overall following his victory here.

Women’s results and overall standings HERE.
Men’s results and overall standings HERE.