In a battle reminiscent of Slopestyle days of old, two Crankworx legends found themselves going head-to-head for gold in today’s Mons Royale Speed & Style at Crankworx Innsbruck. After charging hard and going big up against some of the fastest and most stylish riders in the sport today, Martin Söderström (SWE) and Kyle Strait (USA) were the last men standing. In the end, Strait went down on the first jump of the second matchup, and the Big Swede came out on top in the discipline that’s become his focus at Crankworx.
Martin was breathless after four rounds of competition in the blistering Austrian sun and temperatures that reached up to 33°.
This means so much. The less disciplines you do, the more pressure there is. I feel like when I was competing in Slopestyle and I only did these ones for fun, these ones were way easier. Now that I’m only focusing on it, I get so much more nervous.
– Martin Söderström
Each 10+ years to competition at this level and both looking as on top of their games as ever, Söderström and Strait were both pedalling hard and going big on the two judged hits. Strait crossed the line 0.05 seconds ahead of Söderström in their first matchup, but the Swede pulled back some time thanks to his signature double tailwhip and 360 tabletop. In the end, the American took the advantage, but only by 0.01.
It was like back to zero again. I thought ‘Oh, damn. I wish I had something to go on. I knew that if I wanted to beat Strait I just really, really had to push it. And then unfortunately he crashed.
– Martin Söderström
Tomas Lemoine Louis Reboul Cam Zink Carson Storch / photos: Fraser Britton
Almost perfect. Speed & Style is all about being consistent and I fell just a little bit short. It was good racing out there, but it was hard work.
– Kyle Strait
I feel like the whole day, I’ve had to go faster and faster every round because the competition was just really, really strong this year. Many, many good guys. It was a crazy bracket that I got the whole way down. That makes it feel even better standing here.
– Martin Söderström
Martin Söderström vs Kyle Strait Kyle Strait vs Martin Söderström / photos: Fraser Britton
The points from both today and the contest in March now give Söderström a solid lead in the Crankworx Speed & Style World Championship which will crown the season’s overall victor in Whistler in August.
Rounding out the podium, a big result for Garret Mechem (USA), who earns his top Crankworx pro result to date.
It’s unreal. No words really to describe it. It’s a dream of mine to compete against these guys. They’ve been through the ranks. They’ve done it all. They’re the ones to beat, and I’m stoked to be able to compete against them and see where I stand.
– Garret Mechem
Full results: click here
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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