Winning at Windham was the name of the game andA�watching the race you could tell everyone was going flat outA�to getA�the win! This is evidenced by the large number of crashes and mechanicals, whenA�riders areA�pushing so hard you are bound to flirt with the fine line of having a clean run or not!
Between qualifying on Friday and racing Sunday riders had plenty more opportunities to practice the course. However, for some though this resulted in injuries that either left them out of contention all together or a little worse for wear. Brendan Fairclough was relegated to the sidelines for the final after breaking his thumb and Justin Leov was nursing a suspected broken finger for his run.
Racing was a hot dusty affair with big holes appearing all the way down the track, when the wind kicked up during the day things really started to get interesting.
It was the woman racing first and they had their fair share of crashes and mechanicals. Jill Kintner crashed hard and was out with a suspected broken arm, Emmeline Ragot also had a tumble right at the bottom of the track but still managed to record a time as she slid across the line. Australias’ Tracey Hannah couldn’t escape the crash/mechanical issues either, Tracey chose to commit to the final jump and cased hard enough to break her seat off! Did it cost her the win or anytime at all? Finishing second 0.62 seconds behind it is a question Tracey is no doubt asking herself!
After an investigation overA�Rachel Atherton leaving the track (which was eventually dismissed as it was deemed she didn’t gain anytime), it was time for the mens race.
A few Aussie riders headed off down the hill slightly earlier during the day, Jack Moir finished in 63rd and DeanA�Lucas in 55th. All good results as they gear up for World Champs later this year.
Connor Fearon hit the track and had a few wild moments, a bit frustrated with his run he still managed toA�finish 42nd and improve in the overall.
Jared Graves cracked the top 30, just, he finished in 30th place, still Jared is hungrier to do better and watch his place improve.
Mitch Delfs was on the hot seat early and held itA�as Josh Button came down and put in another solid result. In fact it wasn’t until Danny Hart came down that Mitch Delfs had to move over.
- Eleventh is Mitchs’ best result at World Cups this year. Photo: Jacob Gibbins
So much happened during racing, some fast juniors showed that their class is just as competitive as the senior guys. Greg Minnaar came down earlier than we are used to seeing and had a run he would rather forget. Marc Beaumont and Brook MacDonald both had big crashes but both kept riding.
Mic Hannah put in anotherA�solid ride forA�eighth, Australia’s best finish went to Sam Hill in seventh, again a good result for Sam who is getting back up to speed every race.
The hard luck story of the day goes to Damian Spagnolo, fastest at split one before a puncture ruined any chance of his maiden World Cup victory, racing is a tough mistress! In the end Stevie Smith was edged out on Canada day by Aaron Gwin who continues his awesome form and must be close to having the series closed out surely?!
There is slight break before the next World Cup but our coverage from Windham isn’t quite finished yet, tune back for more soon.