WOMENS
The Hot Seat saw rapid turnover from the 10 first racers in the 20-rider field. Emilie Siegenthaler (Scott 111) was the first rider who hung on to the Hot Seat for a time. Melissa Buhl eventually dislodged Siegenthaler.
Buhl was happy with her run. It was quite good. Although I had some difficulties in the mud, I managed to keep it together. I went back and forth between the mud tires and the dry tires, and it was frustrating. Although there were some spots in the mud that I preferred spikes, there were plenty of rocks that were very slippery.
Tracy Moseley (Trek World Racing) was the next rider to put down a fast run. She was quickly replaced by Emmeline Ragot, Suspension Center. Her strong time was good enough for her to keep the Hot Seat open until Jonnier was left to descend. Jonnier was the class of this field. Her run of
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Moseley was third, just 4.77 seconds behind. Jonnier’s win here extends her lead in World Cup standings to 1382 point, with Emmeline Racgot second at 1115 points. Only Moseley is third. This breaks the streak and four of the top five riders are French.
MENS
Marcel Beer produced the first fast run of afternoon at 2:00 PM
Many expected to see a strong run from Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate), World Cup leader and World Cup winner. Minnaar started in 21st position yesterday after a flat tire caused by qualifying. Minnaar was injured in a crash that cost him his time. He finished 22nd. I cleaned my front wheel with mud underneath the lift, and then I set off. I was able to get up quickly, but my glove was only half off so I had the luxury of freewheeling while I took it off. It was definitely not a great weekend.
Fabien (Subaru), came within a whisker of Gwin. The American had to wait anxiously for the four remaining riders. Samuel Blenkinsop, Yeti/Fox, had a slow run (16th) and was quickly seen leaving the finish line, clearly unhappy. Gee Atherton (Animal Commencal), was the world champion. Only Steve Peat (Santa Cruz Syndicate), a perennial favorite here, was left and Hill had to go.
Peat was greeted with thunderous applause and a time of
Hill was happy with his win. It was the first season for him, after a long drought. This circuit is known for its high speed and long distance. It was much slicker today. It dried out quite a bit. It dried out a lot so I was cautious in the beginning. It was great so I continued to push the boundaries.
Peat had another great day, taking second place. This is his 50th World Cup podium appearance. He holds the World Cup record for most World Cup career wins. This course is perfect for me. To do well on this course, you must be a good all-rounder. Another podium is something I am proud of.
Gwin finished third on his debut podium appearance. The other racers tried their best to drown him with champagne on the podium. Gee and the other racers were amazing. I’m happy. It’s only a matter of time.
Hill’s win moves him from third to first place in the World Cup Points Race with 1039 points, just 4 points behind Peat. Minnaar falls from first to third. Canada’s Steve Smith (Evil Bikes), maintains his ninth-place standing as the top North American finisher, having finished seventh at Mont Ste Anne.
