July 31, 2007

Fabien Barel of France takes first in the Canadian Open Downhill at Kokanee Crankworx 2007

The final event at Kokanee Crankworx 2007, the Canadian Open DH took place in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park on Sunday.  Fabien Barel of France took first place with a time of 2:54.1.  Riders had one run on this skill testing DH course to post their best time. 

This year’s Canadian Open DH was designed by the one and only Tom Prochazka of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park and pro mountain biker Tyler Morland. The race was held on Fantastic ski run with a higher start location then last year’s DH.  Riders proceeded down the new route on Fantastic ski run until Old Olly road, entered Detroit Rock City, the Joyride and across the flats to Monkey Hands down to the finish. 

In the Pro Men category, Sam Hill of Australia took second place with a time of 2:55.6, Greg Minnaar of South Africa took third with a time of 3:01.2 and Steve Smith of Nanaimo, BC took fourth with a time of 3:02.4.

The Pro Women category was won by Tracey Moseley of the UK with a time of 3:30.1; second place went to Claire Buchar of Whistler, BC with a time of 3:31.0; third place went to Jen Ashton of Whistler, BC with a time of 3:48.9 and fourth place went to Katrina Strand of Whistler, BC with a time of 3:51.1.

Top riders in other categories include Kara Fitzgerald for Junior Women, Danice Uyesugi for Amateur Women; Tyler Allison in Boys (13-15), Adam Wright, Master Men; Neil White, Amateur Men; Kyle Salisbury Junior Men.

For more info on the festival news, wrap-up, event photos and results from every event check out www.crankworx.com.  Photographer credit: Paul Morrison 

Kokanee Crankworx is presented in partnership by Tourism Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. Whistler has the world’s most diverse offering of mountain biking terrain, attracting all disciplines of mountain biking. From 150 miles of single-track trails and 200 km of lift-accessed downhill runs in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, to jump parks and the 20+ miles of paved Valley Trail, there’s something for every rider. 

Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb elevates summer adventure to new heights. On-Mountain activities include high alpine hiking and sightseeing via the Peak Chair on Whistler, epic riding in North America’s number one ranked lift-accessed mountain bike park, and summer skiing and riding on Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier. In the valley, sparkling mountain lakes and beaches, four championship golf courses, and Whistler’s vibrant pedestrian village filled with restaurants, patios, cafés, shops, galleries and spas are all surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway, this four season resort is truly spectacular by nature. Check it out at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

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