Results: Pietermaritzburg World Cup Round 1 - Qualifications

Apr 11, 2014
by Pinkbike Staff  
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Member since Jul 22, 2013
3,460 articles

202 Comments
  • 152 5
 Gwin is back...
  • 29 2
 yeaaaah bud... he's on fire. I knew it would happen. So happy. 2morrow is the day!
  • 63 2
 Would love to see Gwin bring back the speed this year. And Hill for that matter.
  • 10 71
flag daviola (Apr 11, 2014 at 6:17) (Below Threshold)
 10 years investing in the demo and concluded that it did not win the race, gwin sorry, should have stayed on the trek ...
  • 25 2
 @daviola - if you ignore all of the races it has won, then yeah it doesn't win races. Granted a lot of guys are not on full-dh bikes (like Gwin) but we'll see tomorrow who/what takes it. Luca qualified first in Jr Men on a Demo by over 5 seconds, so I think your comment is fairly retarded. Either way, we'll see a super awesome race tomorrow.
  • 21 1
 And guess what...he did it on a proto 650b enduro
  • 16 14
 Gee crashed... If he didn't he would have probably been quite close to Gwin's time
  • 16 3
 @mnorris122.... Don't tell them that, their worlds will collapse...
  • 8 0
 I am the crusher of delusion
  • 14 1
 Oh, and Gwinny was 2.5 seconds ahead of second, that's a huge gap
  • 12 2
 Nobodies world will collapse. Gwin is currently in the top spot period. And its nice to see him back there. We will see where he ends up but no doubt there is going to be some good racing. Go Gwin!
  • 3 0
 @Motocrosser12 Thank god, I was worried he was nearly 9 seconds off the pace. I'm keeping fingers crossed Gee and Ratboy hit the podium.
  • 3 4
 Also its not as bad as the qualifying swing last year when Stevie and Mitch, on 650B and 29er bikes respectively were like 10 seconds ahead of the rest of the field...and then both crashed during the race. Actually if you looked at the course practice pics yesterday, Mitch seems to crash a lot.
  • 19 1
 After Gwin was laid into last year I want to see him come back and smash this season
  • 12 0
 pls PB gods strike down the effin wheelsize circle jerk and let it be about the riders and the racing
  • 7 0
 I think the spesh team is looking strong this year, Gwin seems to be back strong and brosnan has been looking fast.
  • 5 20
flag hamncheez (Apr 11, 2014 at 9:52) (Below Threshold)
 Gwin is on a proto-650b enduro evo. Why not a prototype travel-reduced Status? Much better looking bike
  • 11 0
 Because these riders care more about looks than speed... Right
  • 5 0
 @hamncheez Looks of the bike don't win races.
  • 8 3
 i know im not canadian, but....elephant in the room: where is Steve Smith?
  • 7 0
 he is out of the first two rounds due to an injury.
  • 3 5
 I think Trek is a better bike, I also think that Gwin is a damn good rider. I was disappointed when he left Trek but damn he's fast. Go Gwin
  • 3 1
 FUCK YES GWIN
  • 3 2
 I think Gwin is so confident this year. Im so excited to see this guy race! Definitely the fastest American on a downhill bike!!!
  • 1 0
 Does the evo ride better than the status? I know people who love their status but i've never met anyone who owns the longer travel evo
  • 2 0
 HELL YEAH GWIN!
  • 1 1
 Im happy gwin is top hope its a scrap to the last round again for who takes it all.
  • 1 1
 Take Demo away go faster
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez: mike montgomery chose the enduro evo over a demo or status at rampage
  • 2 1
 Sam Hill 9th on a pedal track. Didn't see that coming.
  • 1 0
 I genuinely read that thinking you knew the results before the race had finished... Seeing as you posted that before the race had even began. But then I realised Sam finished 9th both in quali's and the race.
  • 100 9
 9 Seconds quicker than Rachel... Think Manon is trying to say something here...
  • 120 0
 Rachel was on a drip in hospital yesterday - fair to imagine that's had an impact on her time.
  • 35 0
 Yeah qualifying second with the flu is a decent effort. Nothing to be taken from this im sure rachael will still slay the competition this year.
  • 17 0
 I would have to think rachel is playing it smart. Taking it easy and try be fresh for the race tomorrow. Shes a tough girl bring it home rach.
  • 8 0
 Rachel is recovering from a bacterial infection
  • 4 0
 Good to see Rachel was still able to get out there and put up a good time despite her recent illness.
  • 8 0
 If you take Rachel out of the equations, Manon absolutely smoked the rest of the field. If Rachel can recover, it should be a interesting...
  • 4 1
 Anybody can explain me what it means "P=Protected" on the main board. ?
  • 5 2
 Top 20 riders are protected
  • 4 1
 hell yeah, fantasy league under way and doing well ! lets go WC my favorite time of the year.
  • 2 1
 @Pwcutajar thanks bro ¡¡
  • 4 1
 @FabianTT - Protected riders qualify regardless of their qualifying result. Top 20 guys and Top 10 girls are Protected Riders.
  • 2 1
 Man is this going to be a hell of a race!
  • 5 2
 Where is Steve Smith? is he not racing?
  • 3 0
 Ankle
  • 5 0
 I was thinking 'ankle' what the hell...read above comments, oh smith. Yeah damaged his ankle out for the first 2 rounds not sure on fortwilliam.
  • 2 0
 @Joe-falconi Hey bro, more clear than actually for me, thanks 100% Bro ¡¡¡
  • 4 0
 Sick or not, Carpenter laid down a run time that one would have expected from a healthy Atherton. Meaning this could be one helluva women's race season to watch!
  • 2 0
 Steve broke his ankle so he wouldn't be racing for first two events.
  • 1 1
 It is still slower than Mens and Juniors
  • 2 0
 "where's Steve Smith?" kinda questions coming from a Canadian downhiller ...at this point is inappropriate ... full stop
  • 1 0
 I'd be pretty stoked to qualify second at a WC with the flu personally.
  • 1 0
 id be stoked to qualify in the top 20 fully healthy at the moment.
  • 54 0
 Nicely done Bryceland, gunna be a good year for him.
  • 6 11
flag hexhamstu (Apr 11, 2014 at 6:35) (Below Threshold)
 where are people seeing mens results???
  • 1 0
 @hexhamstu: If you see the women's result in the first pane also, reload this page. Happened to me too, after I saw the expected men's result first. Strange.
  • 1 0
 They didn't appear for a while on mine, just keep refreshing.
  • 1 1
 After the cruising-like riding that we saw in Peaty's hel-cam. i didn't think he had it in him but i am happy to say i'm wrong here, best of luck to you Rat-boy Smile
  • 7 0
 Wasn't he chasing Minnaar?
  • 8 0
 Bryceland's first split time is crazy fast!
  • 3 0
 That was Minnaar he was following. Ratboy was on the Loo...taking a poo. Wink
  • 3 0
 RAT ATTACK!!!!
  • 28 0
 Good to see Taylor Vernon back at it. Much props.
  • 21 2
 In before the Americans: GWINNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!1!!!!
  • 23 1
 Gwinnnnnn!!!!1!!!!! Damn, too late Smile
  • 10 0
 And how about our boy Neko Mullaly qualifying 7th just 2.7 off the pace? It's going to be a breakout year for him! And Shaw up there representing too for the Jrs.
  • 2 2
 Go USA!!! ;o)
  • 4 2
 MURICA
  • 2 0
 i like the urban dictionary definition
  • 14 0
 Luca Shaw, this is definitely going to be a year for him!
  • 1 0
 Yup, he and Walker have been training a lot
  • 13 0
 LUCA!!! Southeast represent!
  • 10 0
 And Neko in 7th!
  • 14 1
 Minnaar will be the Winnaar...
  • 1 0
 Well played, and you're probably right. I don't think his injury/recovery can over-ride his sheer will. So long as he rides it clean, he should be top-box tomorrow.
  • 1 0
 I bet if Greg was blindfolded he could still win PMB. He owns the track here.
  • 12 0
 Aaron is back!!!
  • 23 0
 Yeah but Bryceland tho...
  • 6 0
 Dat first split...
  • 1 0
 My thoughts exactly!!! Yahhhhhhh baby!!!!!!
  • 6 0
 Ratboy has been steadily progressing the last several years and, hopefully, this is the year it all comes together for him. Easily one of my favorite WC racers...very approachable and is quite the character to boot. It doesn't hurt that he has style for miles, either!
  • 12 1
 she is manon it!
  • 9 0
 How about Neko in 7th!? he has been working hard and its showing.
  • 7 1
 Gwin, Shaw, Mulally, Kitner.....team USA showing up!!!
  • 6 1
 Sooo sad im not down there this year!! Been for the past 3 years and holy shit!! PARTY FOR DAYS!! TAKE IT AGAIN GREG!! MINNAAR ARMY FOR LIFE!!
  • 5 0
 Looks like mick Hannah had a major issue. Over 1 and a half minutes down by split 1
  • 1 0
 Wut?
  • 9 0
 live timing

www.uci.ch/templates/BUILTIN-NOFRAMES/Template3/layout.asp?MenuId=MTY2Mzg&LangId=1

he was 1.33 down. luckily he is protected.

bryceland sitting in second, his looking strong.
ropelato DNF'd
  • 6 1
 Gutted for Rope-a-dope. Jackson's in though!

Is Hannah actually protected? Did they not change that rule about?
  • 1 1
 Pretty sure it's in supercross that they changed the rule, not DH
  • 2 0
 Supercross don't have a protected rule. If you don't make it through the heat, semi, or LCQ, you ain't in that main.
  • 1 1
 Well I don't know then. But I don't think they cancelled that rule, we would've heard about that.
  • 2 0
 Well I thought it was last year, hence why it ain't so fresh in the memory.

If they do still have it though, is it top 20 from last years overall or top 20 world ranking? That's what it was they changed last year. Riders were ranked by their overall world ranking as opposed to their World Cup series ranking.
  • 8 0
 The "P" means he is protected, so Mik's in tomorrow's race.
  • 2 0
 Stoked!
  • 1 0
 @sam-rodda - I believe the top-20 is based on UCI rankings...not WC rankings. I haven't heard of any changes, but I'm also not on their mailing list. I've been wrong before! Wink
  • 2 0
 bikemagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DHI_ME_Standings-1.pdf

Riders have the same board number as their final overall position from last year, so it must be their WC rankings.

Bloody UCI and their rule changing shennanigans confusing er'body!
  • 6 0
 Surprisingly happy for gwin, but even more stoked to see Bryceland in 2nd!
  • 2 0
 Yeah, was pumped when I saw Gwin's name at the top and then pleasantly astonished when I saw Ratboy in the 2-slot. Way to go!!
  • 5 0
 is Luca Shaw really 5 seconds up on 2nd, and almost 15 seconds on 3rd place? Wow.
  • 4 0
 It's great to see Gwin up top, Blenki 5th, Hill 9th and Peaty 17th! So excited for this race Smile Oh and Kintner 4th, F*** YEAH!
  • 2 0
 The future of British downhill is looking very bright! British riders dominating the women's elite with 4 top tens and 1, 2! 5 brits also in the Junior top 12 and a good showing in the Mens too! Granted it's only quallies but that's a strong showing!
  • 3 1
 Rachel was really sick coming Into sout Africa if you check her Instagram she didn't even think she was was going to race, fair play to her to come in second being unwell to be honest.
  • 1 0
 Anyone notice that Jackie Paaso, the pro freeride skier who literally JUST got off the World Freeride Tour (jackiepaaso.com) is racing in the women's? She showed up and qualified (bc women's numbers are so low but she still did)... and ya, her time isn't great, but she's still there and riding. I think that's pretty awesome.
  • 1 0
 yeah sick chick
  • 5 0
 Stoked for Micayla and Casey !!!...
  • 6 1
 Look at Manon go! :o
  • 5 0
 LUCA! Keep it up!
  • 1 0
 Hell yea Luca!
  • 4 0
 get in there Manon Big Grin good luck for tomorrow.
  • 3 0
 Anyone know what happened to Brook Macdonald? Crash? 66th doesn't seem like him...
  • 2 0
 Took a heavy one up top
  • 1 0
 Lots of familiar names in the men's top-20...the order they're in is a lot different than what we're accustomed to. I like it! If this is an indicator of how the season is going to go, I'm over the moon!
  • 4 1
 Let this day, April 11 2014, be remembered as the day when all the Gwin haters were silenced. Welcome back to the top Aaron!
  • 3 0
 Qualifying doesnt mean shit. Wait till tomorrow.
  • 1 0
 Actually qualifying means a lot. Especially for the first race of the season. If it doesn't mean shit then why are they going full speed? Everyone wants that #1 plate and qualifying counts.
  • 4 0
 Seriously? Stevie Smith being out injured is news to THIS many people?
  • 4 0
 FISCHI!
  • 2 0
 Back on his DH rig after destroying his small travel bike's wheels yesterday, impressing! Go!
  • 3 0
 Ratboy for the winnnnnn Smile
  • 1 0
 Good to see Ratboy up there. Hopefully he has been training like a madman this past year
  • 3 0
 Hill in the top 10 with flat pedals, yes!!
  • 3 0
 Mitch Ropelato runs whit the Enduro 29 ??
  • 1 1
 he didnt finish his qualy run. Must have crashed like last year. ):
  • 1 0
 First turn!
  • 1 0
 Fantasy team is Gwinning atm

Where's sick mick though? Expected him to be up there

Hope ratboy takes it though, favourite rider by miles atm
  • 1 0
 good to see young Frazer McCubbing a local lad from Ae Village getting into 11th place in the Juniors... wtg lad... wish ya all the best for race day....
  • 2 0
 only giving away 20 seconds to the men juniors on such a long track is seriously haulin ass. Fair play Manon
  • 4 1
 Gwin is back!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Anyone know what ridiculous time I'm going to have to be up at to watch the finals?
  • 2 0
 Coverage starts at 8:15am eastern standard time on www.Redbull.tv
  • 2 0
 thanks bud!
  • 2 0
 Golden age of downhill! Look at all that talent!
  • 2 0
 MARCELO!!!! sticking up for the Giant Factory Team!!!!
  • 1 0
 Representing the east coast Luca and Neko way to go guys congrats to Gwin as well!!!!!
  • 2 0
 I hope "26 wheels win ... Big Grin
  • 2 0
 let Mr.Greg do the job
  • 2 0
 the best 3 junior seems to be on another planet...
  • 1 0
 I been hatin since Gwin left Trek but how do you not cheer him on.Crank it up Gwin the WORLDS all yours.
  • 3 1
 Manon is a beast!
  • 1 0
 Some good racing is going to go down!
  • 1 0
 Gwin....nation........!!!!! Is he back? I sure as hell hope so.
  • 2 0
 Gwinny is back !!!
  • 3 2
 Am i the only one routing for gee?! COME ON? GBS?!
  • 2 0
 Definitely not the only one! He crashed apparently?!
  • 1 0
 Any word on Steve smith? I haven't found his name anywhere
  • 1 0
 Injured.
  • 2 0
 Think he went to Seaotter instead.
  • 1 0
 What? Why in the world would he go to sea otter? As the previous world champ?
  • 1 0
 Don't think his foot/ankle is 100% yet.
  • 1 1
 yeah he is still hurt
  • 1 0
 Gotcha, thanks for the info, sucks that he's out
  • 1 0
 Has any one seen GEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 good to see gwin back in the top 5!
  • 2 0
 where is Steve Smith?
  • 1 0
 Someone's ready for revenge and hungry for w's.
  • 2 3
 All you Fers knocking my boy Gwin last year can kiss my asss. Boys the title is heading back south this year!!! USA USA USA!!!!
  • 2 0
 Stay on yer bike Danny!
  • 1 0
 The best junior was faster then Gwin, that is insane!!!!!
  • 1 0
 sorry, I compared the juniors to wrong senior page
  • 1 0
 15 seconds behind i think you'll find buddy
  • 3 6
 Only 4 Juniors faster than the fastest woman? South Africa never seems to get a quality field of riders. At worlds last year there were only 65 riders which was a disgrace. Loads of countries werent even represented. Its just too far away to make travelling there feasible.
  • 3 0
 Each country can only have so many riders, so of course worlds last year had a smaller field than a regular world cup round.
  • 1 1
 Leogang worlds had 119 Men, Champery had 105.
  • 1 0
 Wonder what is up with Gee being 8 seconds down?
  • 1 0
 I cant see the mens results. Could you send a link?
  • 2 1
 found it! Stoked on the mens results, just wish Gee was a bit higher up!
  • 2 1
 Don't worry. Gee will be right up there game time. He pretty much always is, even if he's not on the top step.
  • 1 0
 won't he be giving away valuable points for the qualification though? That was the main reason the lower positioning was on my mind since Stevie made up quite a few points on Gee last year not only with the race runs but quali points too???
  • 1 0
 It's always hard to analyze and read to much into qualifying results because all we see is a sheets of times with no unsure into the actual runs. You see Gee or Hill 6-8 seconds back but have no idea why. Was it a clean run and they were just slow? Were they on killer fast runs and just had a bobble or small Hang up? Who knows.
  • 3 0
 OTB during his run....probably would have been on top if he had cleaned it.
  • 2 0
 foooock yeah Gwin!
  • 2 0
 Brook ????????????
  • 3 0
 66th
  • 2 0
 Let's go Luca Shaw,
  • 1 1
 First in qualifying? that's so not gwin... please don't bore me by winning every round this year
  • 1 0
 What happened to Ropelato?
  • 1 2
 My best guess is he crashed like last year ):
  • 1 0
 Yes Yes you must be a doctor.
  • 2 0
 Wheres Steve Smith??
  • 1 0
 Injured foot
  • 2 1
 @tacomatrev. What are you? A Doctor?
  • 1 2
 @pullacowonaski you're retarded
  • 1 0
 Hope aaron gets this one.
  • 1 0
 Not a single Canadian. Wtf. Makes no sense.
  • 1 0
 pathetic isn't it?

cycling canada and the canadian cycling industry are responsible for this.

zero development programs for jrs, womens, and now sad to say, mens......
  • 1 0
 Are the guys times up?
  • 2 0
 They must have been taken down..? I'm not seeing them.
  • 1 0
 I can't get them either; just junior & women Frown
  • 1 0
 Had the same problem. Its on VitalMTB...http://www.vitalmtb.com/news/news/Aaron-Gwin-and-Manon-Carpenter-Qualify-Fastest-in-South-Africa,735
  • 1 0
 Yes Gwinny!
  • 2 1
 Wheres my boy Stevie?!
  • 1 0
 COMMON GWIN!
  • 1 1
 who's Gwin?







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