Austria couldn’t have asked for a better result in the final event of Crankworx Innsbruck 2020. The top of the pro podium was shared by two Austrians: David Trummer crossed the finish line fastest for the men with a 2:49.08, while Valentina ‘Vali’ Höll bested the pro women’s field with her 3:12.13.
For Höll, this is her second win in the event, though 2018’s #1 came in the U19 category. Today marks the first elite DH podium she’s topped.
“First proper international big race,” said the 18-year-old, who’ll be 19 in December. “I’m pretty stoked.”
Charging over the final drop and across the finish line, her time pushed her into the hot seat. But with three heavy-hitters set to drop after her, including Tracey Hannah who’s won the event three times, the pressure was on.
It’s actually terrible. Juniors I was always the last, so I never had to wait. Now, waiting for riders and seeing how close, and actually you have no idea because I couldn’t see any split times, it’s totally nerve-wracking. I don’t like the feeling. I hope in the qualifying I can always be first.
– Tracey Hannah
In the end, Hannah’s time was +0.951 behind the Austrian, placing her in second.
It’s been a super weird year. I’ve never been in Europe in October. I’m not super used to the weather… But I had a good race. It’s really weird to be back racing. You’re not used to the feeling of racing, so it’s hard to get into that spirit and that rhythm. It’s really good to have this race before World Champs next weekend, and it’s been really fun to be back at Crankworx.
– Tracey Hannah
Third went to French rider Morgane Charre, who adds to her gold medal from earlier in the week in the Dual Slalom.
Following the Pro Women, a tight field of top men took to the track.
Trummer’s speedy run pushed the USA’s Charlie Harrison out of the top spot but, like Höll, his hold on first place was far from guaranteed with Mick Hannah, Ed Masters, Laurie Greenland and Brook Macdonald still to go.
But hold his time did, with the final four unable to catch him.
“It’s perfect to win here,” said the 26-year-old, who placed 14th in this race in 2018. “Without the home crowd, but still at home. It’s the nicest place to win.”
It was a feeling echoed by Höll, who said to race at home, and be back with her peers and supporter crew, is something special.
My team is finally here. I’m pretty happy to see my mechanic. I haven’t seen him for about a year… It’s like my family is back together.
– Valentina Höll
Behind Trummer, Masters clocked a 2:50.73.
It was really good. We thought it was going to be quite muddy, but the track dried out perfectly. It was really fun. Stoked. I haven’t raced Downhill in 13 months, because I had an injury at the end of last season, so this is good for the confidence, and I’m just stoked to be back on the big bike, going fast.
– Eddie Masters
Harrison would finish his day in third.
It’s a huge blessing to have a solid race going on. It was an amazing weekend. “It’s nice to just get back to the races and be with the team and get into the race routine again. You spend so much time at home riding your local trails, so it’s nice to come and test yourself against all the fast guys. I’m very excited to get a good result in. The last few bottom corners were pretty challenging after all the rain. Those were pretty key to get a solid result.
– Charlie Harrison
It dried out really well. I thought it would be way more slippery. I was super stoked. I like the track a lot, it’s actually the first time I raced it ‘cause last year I was injured.
– Valentina Höll
Last to drop, a rider who said he felt like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.
As Brook Macdonald charged toward the finish line, +5.295 seconds behind the leader, a roar of cheers erupted, by far the loudest of the day. Considering the size of the crowd (essentially non-existent, made up of staff and athletes), the buzz communicated the excitement of the moment.
“It was pretty emotional to be honest,” said Macdonald, who hasn’t stepped between the tape since August 2019 when he sustained a spinal injury in training ahead of the Mont-Sainte-Anne World Champs.
Having these people around me… it just shows how much support is out there. It was definitely the highlight of my weekend coming across the finish line and having so many people cheering for me. It was pretty amazing.
– Brook MacDonald
Coming into today, the Kiwi rider was the defending champion, as well as the currently Crankworx Downhill Champion. While today’s 11th place finish may not have been his hoped for result, he said given all that’s happened in the past year, he’s keeping in perspective.
To be racing again is a pretty massive achievement in itself.
– Brook MacDonald
Full results – iXS Innsbruck Downhill presented by Raiffeisen Club: Pro Men and Pro Women
Women’s podium: 2. Tracey Hannah, 1. Valentina Höll, 3. Morgane Charre Men’s podium: 2. Ed Masters, 1. David Trummer, 3. Charlie Harrison / photo: Kike Abelleira
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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