The Garbanzo DH took place in Whistler today, and Vancouver Island native Stevie Smith managed to take the win. In second was Colombia's Marcelo Gutierrez and third place went to Australian turned Whistler local Chris Kovarik. Inside you'll find tons of HQ photos and a rundown.
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Words and Photos by David Peacock
The Garbanzo DH is one of the most impressive downhill races in the world. Over 13 minutes of gruelling racing means that it is one of the true tests of a racer's mettle. The winner is often the fittest rider, because aside from the roughness of the course, it also has several serious climbs. Totalling 12 km in length, the course drops 3400 vertical feet in total over several different trails in the Whistler Bike Park. Starting on Original Sin, the course includes a serious uphill section/hike a bike within a minute of dropping in. It then proceeds down the mountain to In Deep, one of the most technical trails on the mountain. Finishing over the GLC, racers swoop into the Whistler Village and are greeted by thousands of cheering fans. It's an amazing event, to say the least.
Remember to click the photos if you want to see them in HQ.
At the top of 13+ minutes of pain and suffering.
Emmeline Ragot's trusty ride...
...and it's newfound adversary, endless shale.
Michelle Crisp of Australia getting loose in one of the many dusty turns.
Myriam Nicole on the Original Sin portion of the course.
Jackie Harmony on her way to 8th place.
Ragot couldn't quite crack the podium, but she looked stylish on the way down!
Your winner, Casey Brown.
This year the conditions were ideal for racers that enjoy dusty and dry conditions. The Garbo DH last year was very wet and slick, so it was a different game in 2012. The pro women ran first, and it was a locals game apparently. Reigning World Champion Emmeline Ragot was unable to crack the top 3, landing in fourth place. Third went to Claire Buchar of Kovarik Racing, second to Squamish's Miranda Miller, and the winner was Casey Brown, who has been in the local spotlight for a while. This was her coming out party, beating some of the biggest names in the sport in a major event.
The classic Original Sin tree island shot...
Brian Serneets after navigating a tricky rock section...
Ecuador's Alejandro Ortiz.
Alex McAndrew drops out of the island and into the long shale portion of the course.
Sometimes on a 13+ minute track, you just gotta sit down.
Matt Beer gets stylish into a section that most just try to survive.
Neko Mulally finished 16th, 47 seconds behind Smith.
Thibaut Ruffin.
Stevie Smith's doppleganger, Nick Beer heading towards a solid top 10 for the Swiss rider.
The final three riders were all Devinci guys because Brook MacDonald was nowhere to be seen. Here's New Zealander George Brannigan gets after it.
Chris Kovarik, third place and $1000 richer.
On the men's side of things, the pro men category was huge in comparison to many others. There were over 100 entrants, including World Cup regulars Ben Reid, Neko Mulally, Justin Leov, George Brannigan and many others. Given the length of the course, the times were fairly spaced out, even amongst the top riders. Teenager Mark Wallace of Canada turned some heads, placing fifth behind Justin Leov. Only 7 riders managed to break the 13 minute mark, while Stevie Smith managed to put down a remarkable 12:33 to take the win. Second place went to Marcelo Gutierrez, who was 5.48 off Stevie's time, and third was claimed by Chris Kovarik. Congratulations to the top 3, and everyone who survived one of the toughest downhill's of the year.
Marcelo rides for the CG Racing Brigade, and he threw a shoutout to his injured teammate while waiting in the hotseat. Get well soon Cedric! Photo by Liam Mullany.
Photo by Liam Mullany.
Eyes on the prize.
On his way to victory.
And crossing the line to an army of Canadians cheering. Photo by Liam Mullany.
Congratulations Stevie! Photo by Liam Mullany.
Your Women's podium...
The victorious men.
Women's Results
1. Casey Brown
2. Miranda Miller
3. Claire Buchar
4. Emmeline Ragot
5. Myriam Nicole
Men's Results
1. Stevie Smith
2. Marcelo Gutierrez
3. Chris Kovarik
4. Justin Leov
5. Mark Wallace
6. Jack Reading
7. Curtis Keene
8. Remi Gauvin
9. Nick Beer
10. Ben Reid
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