Kokanee Crankworx Air DH Faster Than Ever

WHISTLER, BC August 11, 2010 - The Air DH took over the Whistler Mountain Bike Park with over 381 competitors ripping down the most famous DH course in the world, A-Line.  Brian Lopes (USA) continued his reign in the No. 1 spot with a fifth in a row Air DH title, scoring the fastest time of the day at 4:15.69.  The Air DH field housed many current UCI World Cup riders and also saw a few previous World Cup riders reach the podium. 

The Air DH course runs the entire length of A-Line, finishing at the base of the Bike Park with the legendary GLC Drop.  A-Line is arguably the most celebrated DH course in mountain biking, with nearly 50 jumps on the course.  A-Line is the benchmark all DH courses strive to emulate.  “It was definitely a fast course today compared to last year,” says Lesley Tomlinson, event announcer and mountain bike Olympian.  “The dry conditions definitely contributed to the faster times.”  Lopes’ time was nearly five seconds faster this year.

"I knew I had to get on the pedals today,” said Lopes.  “It was super rough in the middle but I knew I had to put together a good run.”

Samuel Blenkinsop (NZL) took second place with a time of 4:16.17; and Gee Atherton (GBR), took third place with a time of 4:18.48.

Blenkinsop contines his good form a Crankworxs. Backing up from his 2nd place in the Garbonzo DH on Sunday.

“I've been riding the course all week & its a sick track, It was hard to race though with all the jumps & trying to stay low & fast, there was defiantly a few flat landings going on but I'm stoked to come with a good result” said Blenkinsop.

Fellow Kiwi Brook McDonald (MS Evil racing) put together a solid run for 22nd place. Justin Leov (Trek World racing) came in with 57th place

In the Pro Women category, Anne Caro Chausson (FRA) was able to hold off current world champ Emmeline Ragot (FRA) to take the top spot with a time of 4:38.21; Rachel Atherton (GBR) took third with a time of 4:41.15.