Two weeks after organizers of the Phat Wednesday Downhill series celebrated their biggest field of riders in two years the bar was raised once again. On June 29 some 81 riders took part in the second Phat Wednesday race of the season, riding a mixed course that included Angry Pirate and sections of World Cup Single Track and Ho Chi Min.
The course was in excellent shape despite some rain earlier in the week with trail crews buffing Angry Pirate earlier that day.
Adam Cook won the men’s event for the second week in a row, nearly four seconds ahead of Jeff Beatty, who was four seconds ahead of Adam Billinghurst in the men’s category. Martin Astley was fourth in the men’s field of 62 riders, while Evan Turpin was fifth.
In the women’s event Wendy Reynolds edged out Angela Teng by just one second while Ashleigh McIvor breezed into third place with a solid lead over the rest of the field. Jen Ashton was fourth while Brook Baker, who is recovering from a concussion sustained in World Cup training, rode a careful race to finish fifth.
In the junior field, Shawn Wilson took the win by about 22 seconds. Kyle Jameson was second, Jared Kessler third, Tyler Allison fourth, and Ryan Sullivan fifth.
The biggest winners of the day were the participants who won the draw prizes. Mark Schroeder won the Sram X9 drive train, Jason Belitzky the Giro Mad Max II helmet, Sarah Wood the Kokanee MP3 player, Chad Hendren the Kokanee jacket, and Brad Bethume the Garbanzo Bike and Bean jersey.
The next event on the calendar is on Wednesday, July 13, hosted once again by WORCA and Whistler-Blackcomb. This time the trail will be a little more technical with sections of Schleyer and Lower Whistler Downhill. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. and the race gets underway at 6 p.m.
You’ll need a Whistler Bike Park pass and a WORCA membership to participate. WORCA memberships are available at sign-up and Behind the Grind for $40 ($15 if you’re a licensed racer with Cycling B.C.), and specially priced bike park passes will be available to Phat Wednesday riders. The $2 entry fee also includes food and refreshments after the ride, as well as an opportunity to win draw prizes.
RESULTS:
Female
1. Wendy Reynolds – 5:06
2. Angela Teng – 5:07
3. Ashleigh McIvor – 5:10
4. Jen Ashton – 5:18
5. Brook Baker – 5:24
Junior Male
1. Shawn Wilson – 4:37
2. Kyle Jameson 4:59
3. Jared Kessler – 5:04
4. Tyler Allison – 5:22
5. Ryan Sullivan – 5:35
Male
1. Adam Cook – 4:08
2. Jeff Beatty – 4:12
3. Adam Billinghurst – 4:16
4. Martin Astley – 4:20
5. Evan Turpin – 4:21
