Competitions
WHEELS OF SPEED QUALIFIER
Another day at the office for Peaty.
Sixteen of the world’s top downhiller’s were invited
to compete at the Wheels of Speed Downhill in
Willingen, Germany this weekend and they have just
finished the qualification run with the rest of the
pro field. Here’s how it shook down:
1st: Greg Minnaar 1:59.01
2nd: Mick Hannah 2:00.13
3rd: Sam Blankinsop 2:00.88
4th: Steve Peat (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 2:01.14
5th: Chris Kovarik 2:01.26
Last weekend Syndicate’s Nathan Rennie hit a tree in
his race run in Scotland and injured his shoulder.
Last week the tree won, but this week the fully
bearded Rennie was seen
getting revenge on a forest of trees during a walking
inspection. He attempted a practice run this
afternoon but could only roll down the course. Rennie
said, “I couldn’t be aggressive at all and that’s what
you need on this course.” He did not do the qualifier.
Syndicate’s Steve Peat had a fast run going and
coasted in on the last stretch. Vigo World Cup
winner, Marc Beaumont(MBUK/Santa Cruz) came in 24th
with a front flat. Beaumont was dreading coming to
the finish because he knew his pals would say
something like, “Oh, you let the air out of your tire,
rubbed your knee in the dirt until it started bleeding
because you checked the BBC weather channel before
your run!” (Note: female downhill pro Micayla Gato
finished 23rd ahead of Beaumont).
40 riders will compete in the finals tomorrow, and
both Beaumont and Gato advance to the combined final.
Eight of the top placing amateur racers join them as
they earned their position to challenge the pros in
this creative downhill event format.
Thanks to the Syndicate sponsors:
Santa Cruz Bicycles
SRAM
Rock Shox
Truvativ
Avid
Kenda
DT Swiss
WTB
Crankbrothers
Lizard Skins
Clif Bar
Troy Lee Designs
Chris King
Five Ten