PRO GRT at Crankworx - photos and results

August 4th, 2010 12:01pm

Using a smart qualifying strategy and a solid run Waylon Smith of Great Britain piloted his Mongoose to a victory in the PRO GRT Downhill that was part of the Crankworx weekend at Winter Park. Smith used a no hurry strategy in qualifying to ensure he would be the first one down the hill ahead of any potential weather. And his strategy paid of nicely as he put in a solid run to take the top podium position just before the rains came.

Note: Unlike world cup events, there are no bonus points for qualifying fast so Smiths thinking was on target. Strange how when JD Swanguen did the same thing in Tahoe at the last event he was penalized and moved back behind the next slowest rider during his run. A rider that would subsequently slow him down due to the dust and poor visability in dry conditions.

Jason Memmelaar continued his most excellent weekend and followed up his dual slalom victory by capturing second place. The East coast rider for Team Giant/Hayes was super stoked and will have some great memories (and cash in his pocket) for his long drive back to New York. Memmelaar is a super guy with a great attitude.

With steady rain falling for the top 15 qualifiers, the track became progressively slower. Of the top qualifiers only Logan Binggeli (No.1 qualilfier) team KHS, could manage to hang on to a podium position. Taking third place, ten seconds off the pace Binggeli was the only rider to boost the rock section where this photo was taken.

The podium was rounded out with Kieran Bennett of DRD/Tomac racing and Brian Buell of Team Geronimo/Banshee bikes. Buell took second in the dual slalom held on Thursday giving him a nice shot of confidence and cash.

On the Women’s side, Jill Kitner (Transition bikes) won by one second over her arch rival Melissa Buhl of KHS bikes. Jackie Harmony (Vixen Racing/Cove Bikes) managed to once again take a podium spot despite having to fight off a serious head cold on the long course.

The course was the longest of the season taking the winning pro man 6:30 seconds to complete.

Here are the top finishers 1,2,3. Waylon Smith, Jason Memmelaar, Logan Binggeli

Top Women - Jill Kitner, Melissa Buhl and Jackie Harmony

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