Race Report: July 3 Phat Wednesday - Whistler Mountain Bike Park

Phat Wednesday #5 – Race Report

July 3rd, 2019

Fantastic – Crank it Up – Old Oly Connector – Lower Whistler DH – Detroit Rock City


As Whistler experiences an unseasonably cool start to July, the competition across all categories for Phat Wednesday presented by Kokanee is stepping in to bring the summer heat. This weather pattern that has had the bike park crew and trail builders rejoicing also provided exceptional racing conditions and a spattering of wildflowers to light up Wednesday’s race down Fantastic – Crank it Up – Old Oly Connector – Lower Whistler DH – Detroit Rock City.

A favorite trail amongst the weekly racing field, the combination of the old school open sections of Fantastic and the iconic rock roll of Detroit Rock City kept everyone on their toes.

Returning rippers Hayden Winter and Jackson Goldstone laid down the gauntlet to Junior Male series leader Mason Gautrey, however, the young gun held strong to take home his 4th consecutive category win by only 0.79 of a second.

The course proved no problem for Michelle Chang and Mathieu Hebert who took out the Master Female and Veteran Male divisions and together moved to 960 points each in what is proving to be a dominant season for both. The young Ryan Griffith also continued his outstanding form in the Male Grom category, narrowly pipping Anthony Shelly and Dane Jewett to take the top spot.

Meanwhile, a resurgent Alice Mathews claimed an inaugural PW Female Open win ahead of Danielle Bordeleau and Julia Long. Steve Storey led the way in a competitive Master Male pack, taking the win over Ricky Hobart and Adam Dagg.

World Cup Wednesday racers come from the world over, although this week’s Male Open Category was dominated by the land down under. Aaron Gungl backed up last week’s victory with a lightning 2:18.734 ahead of his countrymen Chris Kovarik and Trevor Burke, who narrowly maintains his overall points lead.

Wednesdays Race represented the halfway point of the 2019 Phat Wednesday Season and competition for points is getting tight. To check out the full series standings, head to www.spokesman.online

Your Male Open series leader and Bike Park team rider Trev Burke in the lineup.


First in line every week.

The runway.

Denis Courchenes through the long grass on upper Fantastic.


Dane Jewett holding pace in the open.



The absence of his chain didn’t stop the legend Chris Kovarik laying down the days second fastest time.

Ryan Griffith continued his dominant form.

A streamlined and sleeveless Chris Kenward.



Smiles all around from our friendly volunteer team.

Tyson Roe taking in that air..

A second consecutive 4th place finish for Ryan Mentakis.

Max Grayston on form.


Male Grom (13 and under)
1 448 Ryan Griffith 2:38.016
2 316 Anthony Shelly 2:39.570
3 290 Dane Jewett 2:41.308


Master Female (30+)
1 362 Michelle Chang 2:49.348
2 301 Katrina Jorsback 2:53.425
3 56 Lisa Mason 2:56.900

Connor Fletcher punching through the light.


Master Male (30-39)
1 378 Steve Storey 2:27.000
2 331 Ricky Hobart 2:30.217
3 269 Adam Dagg 2:31.033


Female Open (18+)
1 482 Alice Mathews 2:51.264
2 481 Danielle Bordeleau 2:52.748
3 203 Michaela Hafmar 3:00.743

Detroit Rock City’s rock roll in all it’s glory.

William Thompson pushing all the way to the finish line.


Junior Female (17 and under)
1 166 Sofia Guy 3:14.571
2 267 Lily Boucher 3:18.449
3 458 Heidi Schenk 3:28.862


Junior Male (14-17)
1 61 Mason Gautrey 2:27.371
2 249 Hayden Winter 2:28.162
3 289 Jackson Goldstone 2:30.811


Veteran Male (40+)
1 226 Mathieu Hebert 2:30.627
2 162 Ariel Lindsley 2:34.384
3 41 Craig Wilson 2:36.483


Male Open (18+)
1 295 Aaron Gungl 2:18.734
2 211 Chris Kovarik 2:22.500
3 442 Trevor Burke 2:24.139

Phat Wednesday presented by Kokanee returns next week with something special, stay tuned to Whistler Blackcomb Events on Facebook for all the details.

For more information on all events in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, head to bike.whistlerblackcomb.com

Words by Steve Crowley.
Photos by Clint Trahan.

Posted In:
Racing and Events DH Racing