Western Province Downhill Round 3 - Paarl, South Africa by esphotography

Images from Western Province Downhill Round 3 - Paarl South Africa

Top effort from the sun to give us a dry race.

Looking at those images from the Cairns World Cup with the photographers huddling under an umbrella while it was pissing down, reminded me that its been a while since I shot a really wet race here in SA. That game of trying to stay (somewhat) dry, trying to not totally destroy your equipment, but also trying to get the shots. But this past weekend, Western Province DH round 3 at Paarl produced a properly cold and wet race. Even though it didn't rain that hard during the practice session, it was still enough to get soaked if you didn't have the luxury of hiding under a gazebo. And as the race run approached, things got proper wet.

Pre-race paperwork, done.

Rika Olivier taking top spot as usual for the women's race with a time of 2.01.

Jason Gorman enjoying the tacky dirt at the top of the track.

Dane Olsen coming home in 8th with a time of 1.51 as the Afrikaans Language Monument peeks over the horizon.

Thick fog covering the (usually) picturesque Paarl valley as Craig Rhodes-Harrison descends to the bottom.

Rika Olivier taking the fast line through the top rock garden.

Ivo Kittel as he plants his front wheel in a hole seconds before going OTB FTW.

The day started of pretty bleak with the sun only managing to get a few rays past the clouds, but in the end, 40 riders came out and braved the conditions. With previous races at Paarl being very hot and dusty, most people haven't ridden the track in the these wet conditions with limited visibility, specially at uncovered top part of the track. The initial rain made the soil nice and grippy but as the day progressed it became more and more slippery.

Myles Kelsey in at number 5 with a time of 1.49.

Duran van Eeden with his wind tunnel tested mustache taking 3rd spot in 1.47.

Before the rains came, things looked like the Paarl everybody is used to.

Adriaan Smit beating Duran for 2nd spot by just .27 of a second.

Once in a while the sun would pop through the clouds to illuminate the beautiful surroundings.

Not many spectators joined the event. These two had the best seats in the house.

Jens Rubow down the clay chute.

Then the skies opened up.

Mini flash floods

Theo Erlangsen getting creative with a number board and some tape. #cantseeshit

Shuttling up at mach 3 proved tricky with the custom peak extensions.

Ex Paarl local and World Cup racer Stefan Garlicki looked fast all day and stayed on form to take the win by almost 7 seconds. 2nd Spot was claimed by Paarl local Adriaan Smit, followed closely by Duran van Eeden.

Top 10 overall:
1. Stefan Garlicki - 01.40.481
2. Adriaan Smit - 01.47.270
3. Duran Van Eeden - 01.47.540
4. Theo Erlangsen - 01.48.495
5. Myles Kelsey - 01.49.856
6. Roman Kumpers - 01.50.148
7. Devon Katzen - 01.50.665
8. Dane Olsen - 01.51.921
9. Jaco Veldsman - 01.53.362
10. Jacques Prins - 01.54.957

Full race results here.

Jaco Veldsman dragging bars through the last berm. 9th with a time of 1.53.

Craig Rhodes-Harrison smashing up the last corner on his way to the finish line.

Theo Erlangsen flying through the woods with really very limited light. 4th spot with a time of 1.48.

The man of the hour, Stefan Garlicki, taking top spot.

From left, Duran van Eeden (3rd), Stefan Garlicki (1st) and Adriaan Smit (2nd)

Thanks to the Paarl locals, Coenie Slabbert and his father, Smittie, Wynand and all the others who prepared the track. To the sponsors, Kia Motors Paarl, Bergrivier besproeing and Cycle 4 life. And lastly, thanks to Great Time for keeping perfect time!

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esphotography

Member since Dec 20, 2011
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