With her win in the Canadian Open DH presented by iXS today at Crankworx Whistler, Tracey Hannah (AUS) wraps a perfect Crankworx DH season. She won all three downhill races across the tour this year, starting with the Crankworx Rotorua Downhill presented by the Professionals in March, then the iXS Innsbruck Downhill presented by Raiffeisen Club in June, wrapping up with her fourth win in a row in today’s race in Whistler.
That’s my first time, so that’s pretty cool. I had a bit of pressure on myself, but I’m super stoked. It was sick. That was such tight racing.
– Tracey Hannah
Hannah crossed the line in 3:10.39, with the other podium finishers each within a second. Valentina Höll (AUT) came in at 3:10.99 and Myriam Nicole (FRA) at 3:11.02.
Alongside Hannah on the top step, her fellow countryman and another repeat winner. Troy Brosnan (AUS) take his fifth win in a row on the infamous Whistler downhill track.
It’s pretty insane. Going four in a row, even three in a row two years ago… the five was there, so I thought I’d give it a good crack. I took a lot of rest this Crankworx… just trying to feel fresh for this race. And yeah, it paid off. I love this track and I love Whistler… it’s an awesome thing to race with everyone, especially with everyone in the trees. They’re going crazy.
– Troy Brosnan
Brosnan was the last rider to drop in, clocking a 2:38.98, bumping down Bruce Klein (USA), who sat in the hot seat through many of the world’s top racers with his time of 2:40.50, followed by Kirk McDowell (CAN) in third with a 2:41.76.
Last year we had all those fires and no rain, so the smoke was terrible on your lungs. It was probably the driest track we’d ever ridden. But this year was perfect. A bit of moisture, but all the slippery rocks and roots were dry, so it couldn’t get much better I don’t think.
– Troy Brosnan
Full results – Canadian Open DH presented by iXS:
On top of her win today, Hannah’s flawless season means she is once again crowned the Crankworx Downhill Champion, a title that’s been hers since 2015.
It’s a goal. It’s great to take that. On top of leading the World Cup it’s sick to come away with the Crankworx one as well.
– Tracey Hannah
Her fellow champion is Brook MacDonald (NZL), who also took the first two wins this season, but finished his day today in eighth place.
Two final pieces of hardware were handed out today, wrapping the action from the Crankworx World Tour season for 2019 that’s brought racers for all disciplines of mountain biking to Rotorua, New Zealand, Innsbruck, Austria and finally to Whistler, Canada.
It still hasn’t sunk in yet. It was nice to end it on a really happy note and just have a good time riding, not for points but just for fun. I think on the drive home is when it’s really going to sink in.
– Vaea Verbeeck
Mitch Ropelato’s overall King of Crankworx win was a bit of a surprise. Ropelato was last King in 2011.
I was just coming here to have fun and maybe get a couple medals and go home. It’s pretty cool. It’s an accomplishment for sure.
– Mitch Ropelato
FULL RESULTS: King and Queen of Crankworx
Full event and schedule details: crankworx.com
About Crankworx World Tour
About Crankworx World Tour
Crankworx is the ultimate experience in mountain biking. Born in Whistler, B.C. in 2004, Crankworx has evolved into a multi-stop international festival series. The Crankworx World Tour brings together the best mountain bike athletes to compete in elite-level competitions in a variety of disciplines. Crankworx World Tour festivals also host races for amateurs, Kidsworx contests for young riders, participatory events, and celebrations of mountain bike culture, all while showcasing amazing destinations.
Official website: crankworx.com
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