Things are heating up here in Whistler in preparation for the
main events: Saturday brings the much anticipated and re-designed
Slopestyle event into the heart of the village, $30,000 up for grabs.
On Sunday we will see the world's fastest downhill racers tackle the
high speeds and technical woods the Canadian Open track has to offer.
The Volkswagen Trick Showdown happened Thursday afternoon, with $8,000
up for grabs, we saw a flip-whip off the final Kokanee box and a double
pendulum (four no-foot can-cans) on the big booter, a preview of what
we will see for the Saturday final. Giant Slalom, the much anticipated
new addition to Crankworx, happens tonight. The dual slalom track on
steroids winds itself down the 'Boneyard' into the village and will
feature high speeds and big jumps, plenty of excitement will be had on
the big screen for all spectators. Athletes are starting to put serious
focus into their respective events, as more then half of the $70,000 is
yet to be shelled out.
Lopes stoked on a big result for his new bike sponsor 'Ibis'
Lopes Bounces back from a poor dual slalom performance to take his
third consecutive win on the Jim Beam Air DH. Minnaar hits the podium
again this year, and Kovarik proves that he is in race form with a
solid third.
The 2009 Specialized Demo 9: A fancy paint job and a good looking build kit.
There has been a buzz in the mountain bike world
regarding these bikes coming out of California. Two shocks in the
suspension design!?! They have a full line of bikes on display at
Crankworx ready to go for 2009. For more info check out www.corsairbikes.com
Tyler Morland, long time Sram Components Marketing and Promotions
Representative and top Canadian racer, has recently switched from a
Neon Orange Poke-A-Dot Cove Shocker to a Neon Green Poke-A-Dot Turner
DHR seen in this picture. Check out the 2009 Avid Elixer, the 2009
Mavic Crossmax wheelset and BlackBox Program Boxxer.
Story and pics By Harold Woolnough
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