Today was a funny day of racing. As the day started, it looked like things were tipping one way, then as the day reached its climax, they went back the other way again. In the early running, series leaders Richie Rude and Cecile Ravanel both suffered mechanical woes that appeared to derail their plans. Yet, there is a difference between winners and champions and both showed why they are set to take the titles this year. Both exceeded their early misfortunes, put all their energy into the remaining stages, and won all three of them. That is what you call a champion's performance. Behind them, Jesse Melamed capitalized on a two years of promising stage results at his home race to hold onto the hot seat until he was knocked off by Rude in the race’s final moment. In third, Josh Carlson finally showed what he has hinted he was capable of when we saw him at the first ever round of the EWS in 2013. In the women's race, Isabeau Courdurier bagged her best ever result, and Casey Brown now has podiumed twice in just three EWS races. Once more, Whistler served up one of the most exciting races of the season.



Whistler is not a bad place to be early in the morning.
Whistler is not a bad place to be early in the morning.

Saturday was a late night for the mechanics getting the bikes ready for the big day.
Saturday was a late night for the mechanics getting the bikes ready for the big day.

It was a very early start to a very long day. Some were stoked and others were still half asleep on the way up to stage one.
A very early start to a very long day. Some were stoked and others were still half asleep on the way up to stage one.

Seb Claquin is still nursing an injury but was able to muscle his way through the day to salvage 3rd amongst the young guns.
Seb Claquin is still nursing an injury but was able to muscle his way through the day to salvage third amongst the young guns.

Jackson Frew was one of many downhill racers trying their hand at the EWS for the first time and would finish the day 4th in the U-21 category. Quite a respectable result for a first timer.
Jackson Frew was one of many downhill racers trying their hand at the EWS for the first time, and would finish the day 4th in the U-21 category. Quite a respectable result for a first timer.

Adrien Dailly ripping the bike park a new one on stage 1.
Adrien Dailly ripping the bike park a new one on the first stage.

Almost 12 hours after they set out on track the top U-21 riders finally got to climb on top of the podium.
Almost 12 hours after they set out on track, the top U-21 riders finally got to climb on top of the podium.

Stage one could only really be classified as pure bike park. Lots of man made berms and jumps with the occasional wooden wall ride thrown in for good measure. Needless to say it was not loved my many of the racers and definitely not a representation of enduro or even mountain biking for that matter.
Stage one could only really be classified as pure bike park. Lots of man-made berms and jumps with the occasional wooden wall ride thrown in for good measure. Needless to say it was not loved by many of the racers and definitely not a representation of enduro, or even mountain biking for that matter.

Matti Lehikoinen knows that when you ride a bike park track on stage one you have to bust out the bike park moves. Matti would finish the day in 15th inching closer and closer to that elusive top 10.
Matti Lehikoinen knows that when you ride a bike park track on stage one you have to bust out the bike park moves. Matti would finish the day in 15th, inching closer and closer to that elusive top ten.

Connor Fearon was saying before the race that he planned to do well on stage one as he didn t think he would have the fitness to hang with the series regulars as the day wore on. He was pretty much on the money smashing his way to second place on stage one then putting in less stellar times on the later stages. Rumour is that this isn t the last time we ll see Connor at one of these races.
Connor Fearon was saying before the race that he planned to do well on stage one as he didn't think he would have the fitness to hang with the series regulars as the day wore on. He was pretty much on the money, smashing his way to second place on stage one, then putting in less stellar times on the later stages. Rumor has it we'll be seeing more appearances by Connor on the EWS circuit.

Another downhiller who did well today was Vaea Verbeeck - ninth on her EWS debut.
Another downhiller who did well today was Vaea Verbeeck - ninth on her EWS debut.

Whistler is Sarah Leishman s home race and she put in a credible 12th on her home soil today.
Whistler is Sarah Leishman's home race and she put in a credible 12th on her home soil today.

The result we really care about is just seeing ACC here on track but you can see she still has the pace if not the fitness getting third on the shorter fourth stage but struggling on the more physical outings.
The result we really care about is just seeing ACC here on track, but you can see she still has the pace, if not the fitness, getting third on the shorter fourth stage, but struggling on the more physical outings.

Anneke Beerten struggled a bit this weekend and is still trying to regain her form after a mid season illness. 6th would be a great result for most people but for Anneke it still leaves a lot to be desired.
Anneke Beerten struggled a bit this weekend and is still trying to regain her form after a midseason illness. Sixth would be a great result for most people but for Anneke, it still leaves a lot to be desired.

So close to home you could almost call her a local Miranda Miller added another top EWS result to her resume by grabbing 4th.
So close to home you could almost call her a local, Miranda Miller added another top EWS result to her resume by grabbing fourth.

Rae Morrison had a string of bad luck today with mechanicals and crashes but it would be the 5th and final stage that would really ruin here day. A broken pedal upon landing a jump would result in a trip to the hospital and a broken heal. Get well soon Rae.
Rae Morrison had a string of bad luck today with mechanicals and crashes, but it would be the fifth and final stage that would really ruin here day. A broken pedal upon landing a jump would result in a trip to the hospital and a broken heel. Get well soon Rae.

Cecile Ravanel punctured on both stages one and two - word is that her rim was some damaged that she had to beat it back into shape with a rock to keep her going until she could get to the tech area.
Cecile Ravanel punctured on stages one and two. Word was that her rim was so damaged that she had to beat it back into shape with a rock to keep her going until she could get to the tech area.

Take a close look at that rear tire... Ponder this Richie Rude flatted on stage 2 and finished roughly 36 seconds off pace. And came back over the course of the next 3 stages to win by about seven seconds. That is mental.
Take a close look at that rear tire. Richie Rude flatted on stage two, finished 36 seconds off pace, and fought back over the next three stages to win by nearly seven seconds.

Richie Rude is a force of nature. At the bottom of stage two he was running with a rear flat but the pace he was carrying despite that was terryifying.
Richie Rude is a force of nature. Running with a rear flat near the bottom of stage two, the pace he was carrying was terrifying.

With no tech support Richie popped in a tube at the bottom of the stage.
With no tech support, Richie popped in a tube at the bottom of the stage.
It wasn t just a flat tire that tried to ruin Richie Rude s day. He also managed to rip the sole out of his shoe on one stage making things a bit awkward until he could get back to the pits for a replacement.
It wasn't just a flat tire that tried to ruin Richie Rude's day. He also managed to rip the sole out of his shoe, making things a bit awkward until he could get back to the pits for a replacement.

Curtis had pretty high hopes coming into Whistler but would eventually have to settle for 9th.
Curtis had pretty high hopes coming into Whistler but would eventually have to settle for ninth.

Sam Hill seems to be rather good at this enduro thing. In the three races he has competed in he hasn t finished outside the top ten in fact today is the only time hasn t finished second.
Sam Hill seems to be rather good at this enduro thing. In the three races he has competed in, he hasn't finished outside the top ten, and today was the only time hasn't finished in second spot.

Because Sam Hill. Who finished eighth. And destroyed corners.
Because Sam Hill. Who finished eighth, and destroyed corners.

Wyn TV took a day off of Crankworx to race the EWS Enduro.
Wyn TV took a day off of Crankworx to race the EWS.

What s in your pack Anneke Beerten keeps her food wrappers it was a long day today so I ve eaten almost all of my food tooks and a few fix it odds and ends stashed in the pockets of her bib shorts.
What's in your pack? Anneke Beerten keeps her food wrappers ("it was a long day today so I've eaten almost all of my food"), tools, and a few fix it odds and ends stashed in the pockets of her bib shorts.

Races are won and lost on the Top of the World Stage. Ines Thoma ended up 2 minutes adrift of Cecile Ravenal on TOW. Had she matched Cecile on that stage not an easy task she d have been on the podium.
Ines Thoma's disappointing season continued today, finding herself back in eighth today - a long way from the podium.

Try as he may it just wasn t Jerome Clementz day.
Try as he may, it just wasn't Jerome Clementz's day.

For awhile we were thinking Isabeau might take her first EWS win. Courdurier finished second when the dust had settled.
For a while, we were thinking Isabeau might take her first EWS win here, but after the dust had settled, Courdurier ended up second.

Casey Brown was on fire today finishing in third place. There s nothing so sweet as a podium on home soil.
Casey Brown was on fire today, finishing in third place. There's nothing so sweet as a podium on home soil.

The scuffs and marks of a good day on the bike for Casey Brown.
The scuffs and marks of a good day on the bike for Casey Brown.


Josh Carlson blowing smoke on stage 5.
Josh Carlson blowing smoke on stage five, getting a bit of redemption for a flat tire last year, landing himself on the podium in front of friends and family.

It all went wrong for Flo Nicolai on stage four as a crash on the big chute spelled an end to his race.
It all went wrong for Flo Nicolai on stage four. A crash on the big chute spelled an end to his race.

Sometimes you bite the beast other days the beast bites you.
Sometimes you bite the beast, other days the beast bites you.
Matt Stuttard once again got people talking today - apparently he was visibly faster than anyone else through the unforgiving chute on stage four that claimed some of the world s best. Unfortunately he then dropped it a couple of corners later on a relatively easy section.
Matt Stuttard once again got people talking today - apparently he was visibly faster than anyone else through the unforgiving chute on stage four, which claimed some of the world's best. Unfortunately, he then dropped it a couple of corners later on a relatively easy section.

One man has so much power that his pants can t withstand it.
One man has so much power that his pants can't withstand it.

There was a lower option line here that was only slightly slower but entirely less risky but 5th place finisher Martin Maes didn t seem to care.
Fifth place finisher Martin Maes didn't seem to care that there was a lower line option here that was entirely less risky.

10th for Justin Leov after a long absence from racing and lingering illness that has kept him sidelined and unable to train for most of this season. It s good to have you back Justin.
Tenth for Justin Leov after a long absence from racing and a lingering illness that kept him sidelined and unable to train for most of this season. It's good to have you back Justin.

Miranda Miller was certainly comfortable on her trail bike by race day as she smashed her way to fourth.
Miranda Miller was certainly comfortable on her trail bike by race day, as she smashed her way to fourth.

Anita Gehrig couldn t repeat her podium of two weeks ago but still managed decent fifth place.
Anita Gehrig couldn't repeat her podium of two weeks ago, but still managed decent fifth place.

Sam Blenkinsop had a great start to the day and was even leading the overall for through the early stages eventually ending up 7th on his big wheeled Norco.
Sam Blenkinsop had a great start to the day and was even leading the overall for through the early stages - eventually ending up seventh on his big-wheeled Norco.

Jerome Clementz leaves a trail of dust in his wake as he makes his way down the steep and loose stage 4.
Jerome Clementz leaves a trail of dust in his wake as he makes his way down the steep and loose stage four.

Jesse Melamed obliterated the death chute on stage 4 pretty much jumping the entire thing and landing in this catch berm. How he kept it upright in one of life s great mysteries.
Jesse Melamed obliterated the death chute on stage 4, pretty much jumping the entire thing and landing in this catch berm. How he kept it upright in one of life's great mysteries.

Nico Lau powering his way to second place on stage four.
Nico Lau powering his way to second place on stage four.

EWS Whistler 2016
A race that started an near sunrise for some, ended at sunset for others, on what would be a very long guessing game played out on the slopes of Whistler Mountain.

Graves and Carlson wait their starts on stage five.
Graves and Carlson wait for their starts on stage five.

Jared Graves suffered another round of mishaps on stage 1 which would effectively end his day before it really even began. That didn t stop him from carrying on and having a bit of fun on stage five s Top of the World trail.
Jared Graves suffered another round of mishaps on stage one, which would effectively end his day before it really even began. That didn't stop him from carrying on and having a bit of fun on stage five's Top of the World trail.

While some of those close to Oton in the points struggled with crashes and mechanicals he would keep it steady and consistant to end the day in 6th.
While some of those close to Oton in the points struggled with crashes and mechanicals, he would keep it steady and consistent to end the day in 6th.

Jesse Melamed wanted it badly he could barely stand at the finish line.
Jesse Melamed wanted it badly, he could barely stand at the finish line.
It was an emotional affair for the Melamed clan to see Jesse stake his claim for a place among the fastest racers in the world.
It was an emotional affair for the Melamed clan to see Jesse stake his claim for a place among the fastest racers in the world.

Richie hit the top of stage 5 so fast it looked like he had a motor on his bike. It s amazing to see Richie ride at 100 when on a mission to pull back big chunks of time.
Richie hit the top of stage five so fast it looked like he had a motor on his bike. It's amazing to see Richie ride at 100-percent when on a mission to pull back big chunks of time.

Richie Rude never ceases to amaze. Injured shoulder and a flat. He s just on another level.
Richie Rude never ceases to amaze. Injured shoulder and a flat? He's on another level.

Cecile Ravenel fought her way back to the top spot after a tough day at the office.
Cecile Ravenel fought her way back to the top spot after a tough day at the office.

Last year Isabeau Courdurier got third here. Second this year. We have our fingers crossed for her for next year...
Last year Isabeau Courdurier got third here. Second this year. We have our fingers crossed for her for next year.
A frustrated Cecile is cleary a formidable one - after her early woes she thrashed her competition to reassert her dominance.
A frustrated Cecile is clearly a formidable one - after her early woes she thrashed her competition to reassert her dominance.

Jordy was pumped for Nico Lau. Can you feel the love
Jordy was pumped for Nico Lau. Can you feel the love?

Damion Smith congratulates Richie Rude on another stunning victory.
Damion Smith congratulates Richie Rude on another stunning victory.

Family first for Josh Carlson as he celebrated his first ever EWS podium.
Family first for Josh Carlson, as he celebrated his first ever EWS podium.

All Smiles from Casey Brown finishing 3rd and showing why she is one of the most talented riders out there.
All smiles from Casey Brown, finishing third and showing why she is one of the most talented riders out there.

The fastest men and women in Whistler.
The fastest men and women in Whistler.

That s one view we won t tire of.
That's one view we won't tire of.




Author Info:
davetrumpore avatar

Member since Feb 26, 2008
269 articles

96 Comments
  • 98 5
 That's awesome that Brian Lopes was able to beat all the recreational riders in the 40+ Masters category.
  • 19 10
 lol would've come top 20 in elite...
  • 8 5
 Perhaps he was placed automatically in that category given that he's 44? I always think that he and Cedric are about the same age, but in truth Lopes is 6 years older.
Don't get me wrong, i'm sure he's still very "Lopes focused" but this might not have been an option.
  • 11 4
 My IPA finger hit neg when I meant to hit positive - apologies! Funny comment.
  • 15 1
 @dvp8: Not sure which results sheet you read, but 52:01 would have landed him at 50th place in elite, unless I'm blind.
  • 8 1
 @bderricks: woops my bad. I didn't read that right
  • 12 11
 still faster than you
  • 12 2
 He was not automatically enrolled in Masters and it was the right class based on where he would have finished in Pro. Nobody is giving Joe Lawill any crap either despite the fact that he was also a top level pro for a while.

Not a fanboi and not excited to be racing against him since this is my class, but reality is that Vet Pro doesn't exist. Knowing that where should an older pro race?
  • 1 0
 That's the point I think.
  • 10 0
 @salespunk: Lopes won by just over 3 minutes. Yeah, there should be a Masters Pro class.
  • 4 1
 @Verbl-Kint: I agree that there should be a Vet Pro class no doubt. Lawill did the same thing at National Champs last year here in the US winning by 3 minutes and would have been top 10 in Pro.
  • 2 1
 @poozank: negative energy again bud. whats the underlying issue here. Girls again?
  • 5 0
 @Reacher: No, I have an autistic manchild named @Reacher replying to all my comments, it's good for a chuckle though.
  • 6 1
 Norba National Championship (9 Wins)
UCI World Cup (6 Wins)
UCI World Championship (4 wins)
I mean no disrespect to Mr. Lopes, but I'm not sure he should be racing in the same category as the rest of us average,amateur old guys. It just takes one guy to ruin the party for everyone. What's next? Are we going to see Nicolas Vouilloz and John Tomac on our start lists?!?! He's a factory sponsored PROFESSIONAL mountain biker. He won the Air DH 5 years in a row. I hope he stays in the elite category for that!
  • 6 1
 I guess the flip side is we get to see how we stack up to when of the best mountain bikers of all time. Maybe he'll have a mechanical and I can say I beat him! Hahaha
  • 1 0
 @theedon: Agree. If you're a factory professional, race pro class
  • 59 2
 It's too bad no one got a photo of Richie sending the GLC Drop to flat. For video, check this link and forward to 4:38: videos.mtb-news.de/46302/ews_whistler_finals_raw
  • 6 1
 I saw that in person and my jaw hit the floor.
  • 6 0
 Thanks for the link guy! What a monster.
  • 2 1
 What a savage! Sent it so much deeper than everyone else. I guess Yeti got their flimsy rear triangles sorted out.
  • 2 0
 Definite tire buzz in the landing of that huck, haha! Thanks for the link man.
  • 6 0
 He is a fucking beast. How can he do that after 20 minutes of full on descending I dont understand...
  • 2 0
 What an animal! I wonder if he even gets arm pump!
  • 40 3
 "Needless to say it was not loved my many of the racers and definitely not a representation of enduro, or even mountain biking for that matter."

Take note, apparently riding in the bike park isn't actually even mountain biking.
  • 11 1
 In the Jared Graves interview with Cunny a few days ago, Graves said the best all-round rider will succeed here.
  • 23 1
 I understand the point that was made, but surely you can't expect the race organizers to completely ignore the most prolific bike bike in the world when holding an EWS round at Whistler. Right?
  • 18 2
 I actually really enjoyed stage 1. No, it wasn't gnarly 'natural' terrain, but it was actaully a really fast, fun, stage
  • 2 1
 I think they must only be referring to the braking bumps.
  • 1 0
 Meant to say "bike park." You know what I meant though...
  • 5 1
 And you wonder why people make fun of the "enduro" term. Stage sure looked like fun mountain biking to me
  • 2 1
 The enduro race is not even mountain biking .? So which of the events at whistler crankworx are mountain biking ? I like this stuff and would like to see some progression locally , but it makes it difficult when people say it is not mountain biking and not natural .
  • 8 8
 The Europeans were just pissed because most of them can't ride parks at speed. Since it is a weakness of theirs it obviously doesn't belong in races.
  • 6 0
 @salespunk: Stage 1 had 4 Europeans on top 10....on of those second...not sure where you got the impression that there are no fast bikepark in Europe..there are plenty, I thought that the fastest DH circuit this year had two european on podium, one of which first...
  • 2 1
 @Stylexxx: I was not saying that Europeans can't ride Park. I was responding to the original quote above where a lot of Europeans (not all) complain any time there is a Park stage in a race. EWS is about being the most complete rider which includes traditional alpine stages, physical stages and even park stages. It is not just the French and Italian style races where they are lift accessed smash fests, although I would prefer that!
  • 13 0
 Friggin awesome that they have the men and women on the podium on the same time. I can't think of many sports that do that.
  • 7 1
 Ok I am not a professional endure racer (obviously), but I cant help but notice the trend of flat tires. Do people not run DH tubes? I know they are heavy, but I think a little weight sacrifice would be worth the peace of mind.
  • 14 1
 I don't think they run tubes, period.
  • 2 8
flag Narro2 (Aug 15, 2016 at 16:46) (Below Threshold)
 there's only 2 pictures of riders with Flats, do you know how many riders were subscribed to this WHISTLER event? info coming out of 2 pictures is not sufficient to say there's a trend, plus one is a guy and the other one is a girl, so whatever generalized trend you had in mind is ergo stadistictly halved.
  • 1 0
 @genericmk: Yeah I didn't think they did, but I wonder since it is such an issue, why they don't start.
  • 3 0
 What happened with Schwalbe ProCore? Sounded so promising, but no one seems to be running it. I can't find any decent reviews on it, especially any long term reviews. Did it not pan out?
  • 2 0
 @Narro2: I guess I should have specified that I was referring to the "trend I have seen in the last few Enduro race recap articles on pinkbike".
  • 8 0
 @santacruzbullit5: dont mess with stadistics - they're quite satisdic
  • 1 0
 @LittleDominic: Yeah I can understand not wanting to go too low on tire pressure with the squirm factor, but I'd still think it would be worth running ProCore for pinch flat protection??
At their shrediculous speeds do they often tear through casings even without pinch flatting? If so then I guess procore wouldn't help much? Or is the aversion the difficulty/time required to remove procore/add regular tube if you tear a casing?

I know you have to pedal that extra pound of rotating weight all day... but if it were flat-proof....

Getting OT now, but while we're talking procore are there any reports how it holds up if you get a thorn/goathead/etc through the tire? Does it puncture the inner chamber and leave you SOL?
  • 2 0
 Its possible that you see proportionally more pictures of flats than you would expect simply because they are a more interesting event to occur, especially among top riders (i.e. theres more of a story to go with it).
  • 1 0
 @benman3000: Yeah I agree with that, I was more just wondering what people thought about pros vs cons of running thicker tubes. I have never raced Enduro, so I am not sure how much pedaling is involved.
  • 4 0
 @benman3000: At the end of Stage 5 there were so many flats I would say that about one in five riders had a rear flat. There were also 2 riders at the top of their classes carrying their bikes down because their carbon rims were completely destroyed.
  • 3 0
 In one of the interviews/bike checks with Graves last year he said he was running Minions with DH casing. He said he didn't really care about weight and didn't even know how much his bike weighed. No idea if he's had incredibly bad luck this year or if he's running lighter tires, but you think if anyone would be running DH tires it would be him.
  • 1 0
 @LittleDominic: I have ProCore in my garage and it works well if you are spiking the tires in the center of the tread, but it does not eliminate all flats. Sidewalls can still be cut and you can also pinch flat especially in rocky corners. The rocks slide up the side of the tire and pinch the sidewall against the bead. Having said that I have never flatted with them. The downside is an extra 200 grams per wheel so the question is whether to run something like Grid casings for full DH for the comparable weight.

Flats are a part of racing and there is going to be a high propensity when riders are blown out after racing 25-30 minute stages. Also people are obviously running their pressures too low if they are crushing carbon wheels. I also run low pressures for grip and am willing to accept the consequences which are cracked wheels sometimes. Anytime I have cracked a carbon wheel it would have absolutely crushed an aluminum rim.
  • 1 0
 @WoodenCrow: I've been running Procore for 6 months now & am very happy with it. It has eliminated my pinch/crush flat issues (I could even pinch flat tires while running tubeless before).

But as you mentioned, you can still slice a casing & the Procore will not protect you from that (except maybe help you ride out).

And ya, the time required to remove the Procore & add a regular tube if you do get a failure might be an issue, it would be a bit of a faff.
  • 1 0
 @LittleDominic: I was thinking the same thing during this article. Just speculation here, but thinking cost is a factor for most recreational riders and weight is a factor for racers. Seems like many would have liked to have it during this race in hindsight.
  • 9 2
 These photos got me stoked! Just cant ride now, due to woods travel ban in my area. BLahh

On another note, I spy an alloy link on Blenkinsop's Norco, whats up with that i wonder?
  • 5 1
 What is a woods travel ban?
  • 1 0
 @Schmaus: forest fire danger, woods closed
  • 2 0
 "Big Wheeled Norco" - has a 29er Range been announced yet?
  • 1 0
 It also seems that Flo Nicolai is riding a different bike than his usual Altitude, and a raw carbon Rocky Mountain prototype was spotted some weeks ago
  • 2 0
 @madbob9: That's the new Slayer. Looks pretty sweet.
  • 13 3
 So stoked for Jesse!
  • 8 0
 Once again,DT SWISS showed me how strong the EX471 rim is.
  • 4 0
 12 hours of racing and two cliff bars??!?!!? Who are these maniacs!?! I just had a cordon blue for lunch and I work at a desk!
  • 1 0
 connaisseur
  • 5 0
 This is a truly epic Photo Epic
  • 6 1
 more info about the norco please
  • 2 0
 Watching the best riders in the world have trouble with the death chute on Stage 4 makes me feel a little better that I walk that section of Pigs On A Wing every time I ride it.
  • 1 0
 When a rider has a flat during a stage, I see pics of them fixing the flat (Ravanel or Rude) and they still won, do they change the tire like in 1 minute or so or do they change the tire and get a penalty for that (+2 minutes or something), how does it work?
Thanks!
  • 1 0
 Awesome turnout. Hope their were no carnage moments. Keep the dream alive. Cheers!
  • 1 0
 What happened to Graves on stage one, that he couldn't come back from...?!?
  • 2 0
 Flatted on stage 1 and 2
  • 5 4
 Rude to do a reversal and retire from Enduro to race DH again?


...please?
  • 2 0
 Basically every photo here is the best photo ever. Need to get to whistler
  • 1 0
 I don't think you're right, in my opinion that picture of a smiling Casey Brown is WORLD CLASS
  • 3 3
 Damn, i was hoping for a privateer to win a stage, of course to root for the underdog, but more importantly to continue the pinkbike saga of the journo versus commenter war.
  • 1 0
 Richie: it's not your fault. It's not your fault. No, listen to me son: it's not your fault.
  • 1 0
 hahahhaha! The commercial at the top: "Richie races One Up". If I rode like Richie, I would have one up all the time too!
  • 2 0
 Anyone else notice that Melemed is using eggbeaters?
  • 3 4
 Amazing photos. Just amazing.

An early start and these guys are tired? I think I read the race started at 11:30 am. Oh to be on the EWS!
  • 2 0
 It started at 8am for U-21 and podium ended at 9pm
  • 1 0
 About as much drama as you could hope from a race!
  • 4 4
 It's a pity that Rachel didn't compete despite already having DH title in her pocket.
  • 2 0
 She was in Whistler even. I saw her doing a big DH train down the biker cross course with Bruni, Vink, and others.
  • 2 1
 @xTwoSnakesx: i know she was. I am stalking on TREK female racers...
  • 2 2
 Managed to get the same injury as Rae in the bike park a month ago. Really, really stings.
  • 1 0
 Me too buddy, 14 screws in the puppy right now since my accodent in february. This week first mb ride. Don't let anyone tell you stuff will be impossible and DON'T read anything in the internet about the injury... Only makes you feel worse. Set goals and do something every day no matter how small towards them. Good luck to all heel breakers.
  • 1 0
 Third pic down I see a 26" Suppressor at an enduro? Very nice.
  • 2 2
 I'm gonna start commenting "How ya like THEM apples"? on every RR article until I am hated.
  • 1 0
 who is Rae Morrison's pedal sponsor?
  • 1 0
 looked at some lapierre gravity republic pics, they look like shimano xt or xtr trail pedals
  • 1 0
 Was Fearon riding a Process 167 or 153?
  • 1 1
 Screw rider pics let's see that new slash!
  • 1 0
 RUDEmption?
  • 1 1
 Props to Shane on a killer day in the +40.
  • 1 0
 The Rude Identity!
  • 1 0
 he is the Jason Bourne of MTB!
  • 1 1
 Great photos!!!





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