The 2010 Crankworx freeride mountain bike festival unfolded over nine days of competitions, ranging from downhill races to slalom events, drawing top-ranked riders from around the globe.
At the conclusion of the festival the organizers recognized the athletes who had the top results in multiple races. U.K. rider Gee Atherton and French rider Emmeline Ragot were crowned the King and Queen of Gravity. Ladner's own Brennan Walstrom claimed the Prince of Gravity title, while American rider Bridgette Leber was the princess.
Atherton got off to a fast start winning the men's dual slalom, then placing sixth in the Garbanzo DH. He was third in the Air Downhill and first in the Canadian Open Downhill.
For her part, Ragot was second in the dual slalom, third in the Monster Energy Garbanzo Downhill, second in the Canadian Open Enduro, second in the Air Downhill, third in the Ultimate Pump Track Challenge, first in the Giant Slalom and first in the Canadian Open Downhill - seven podiums altogether.
Brennan Walstrom was first in the dual slalom, first in the Garbanzo Downhill, second in the Canadian Open Enduro, first in the Air Downhill, first in the Giant Slalom and first in the Canadian Open Downhill - six podiums including five wins.
Leber was first in the Garbanzo DH, fourth in the Air Dowhill, second in the Giant Slalom and first in the Canadian Open Downhill.
Whistler riders also had an impact, especially in the Garbanzo Downhill where Tyler Allison placed first in the Junior 16 to 18 category and Chris Kovarik - a part-time Whistler resident from Australia - placed first in the Pro Men.
At the Ken Quon/Team Whistler B.C. Cup Finals, local riders also won several categories. On the podium were Mahon Lamont, Jennifer McTavish, Benoit Reneault, David Thornhill, Matthew Wentzel, Karen Bodie, Nadine Crowe, Uschi Shere, Greg McDonnell, Joanna Harrington, Michael Robinson, Trevor Hopkins, Cathy Zeglinski and Keith Ray.
Whistler's Brendon Semenuk was among the favourites to win the slopestyle this year, but was injured during his first run in the qualifier.
Complete results are posted online at www.crankworx.com.
