Gwin returns to form at South African DH World Cup
American Aaron Gwin returned to the top of the downhill mountain bike World Cup at the first round of the 2014 season, in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
“It means a ton,” said Gwin, referring to his win after a disappointing 2013 season. “Thanks to my sponsors and all the work that was put in to get me here. I’m happy I could execute.”
“The whole Specialized team has my back,” said Gwin. “An amazing team, an amazing bike.”
Gwin was hugely successful prior to 2013, winning back to back world cup titles in 2011 and 2012. The American rider won five races in 2011, a new record.
in 2013, Gwin struggled to find his pace, and never found the pace he had shown in prior seasons.
Mick Hannah of Australia narrowly missed out on his first World Cup win since 2006, finishing second having held the lead until Gwin, the final rider.
World Champion Greg Minnar finished third in front of the home crowd.
Canadian and defending World Cup champion Steve Smith missed the race, recovering from a crash in New Zealand, where he injured his ankle.
Manon Carpenter trumped her British compatriot Rachel Atherton to win the women’s downhill, her first World Cup victory.
Just won my first ever World Cup!! Feels amazing 🙂
— Manon Carpenter (@ManonCarpenter) April 12, 2014
Carpenter put in a stellar run to finish nearly four seconds ahead of Atherton.
“I tried to stay smooth all the way down,” said Carpenter. “It’s so easy to mess up in the rocks in the top, so tried not to make mistakes. It’s a great confidence boost for the rest of this year.”
American Jill Kintner showed her transition from BMX and four cross was a smart one, finishing third.
Micayla Gatto was the only Canadian to finish the race, finishing 12th overall in her racing debut with the Pivot Factory DH team.
Fellow Canadian Casey Brown scored a DNF.
