Smith crowned downhill World Cup champ
Steve Smith won the final round of the 2013 Downhill World Cup race season, becoming the first Canadian to win the overall World Cup title. Smith finished the Leogang, Austria course in a time of three minutes, 30.02 seconds.
“It’s indescribable, a dream come true,” said Smith at the finish. “This is the most pressure in my entire life. So pumped to come away with a win.”
Wow, HUGE congrats 2 @stevesmithDH insane run, cool under pressure, even holding his composure while being sprayed w/ beer in his interview
— Brian Lopes (@BrianLopes) September 22, 2013
At the start of the 2013 season, Briton Gee Atherton appeared to be in a class of his own, winning with ease and distancing himself from the rest of the field.
However, that all changed mid-season as Smith worked his way onto, and then up, the podium steps. Smith won on home soil at the Mont Sainte Anne World Cup. The victory proved to be a turning point for the Canadian, who won again in Hafjell, Norway.
Coming into the final round, Smith trailed Atherton by a small margin, shrinking the difference even more with points earned by proving fastest in qualifying. On race day, Smith had to beat Atherton ton win the overall title.
Frenchman Loic Bruni put in a solid run, and Atherton was able to respond, but only barely. Australian Mick Hannah outdid Atherton to take the hot seat as Smith took to the start hut.
Bravo Loris. Bravo Loic. And congrats Steve. What a good race! @ dhworldcupLeogang
— chausson Anne (@chaussonacc) September 22, 2013
“I was only going to know if Gee made mistakes or had a good run,” said Smith. “I knew he had a good run. I felt relaxed and the run went great.”
The speed of Smith’s run was immediately apparent. Smooth riding bred speed and Smith crossed the finish line more than one second ahead of Hannah and Atherton.
Well that is just f’in FANTASTIC news @stevesmithDH!!! Sick run.
— Katrina Strand (@KatrinaStrand) September 22, 2013
@stevesmithDH you’re a beast, so proud of you.
— Thomas Vanderham (@thomasvanderham) September 22, 2013
Smith finished the season with 1199 points to Atherton’s 1121.
What can I say… I’m sorry.
— gee atherton (@gee_atherton) September 22, 2013
The Atherton family had plenty to celebrate, as Rachel Atherton won the women’s race, and the overall title. Runner up both at Leogang and in the overall standings was Emmiline Ragot of France.
American Jill Kintner took third in Leogang, while Briton Manon Carpenter held a secure third spot in the overall World Cup.
Canadian Micayla Gatto finished tenth in Leogang, while Miranda Miller crossed two spots back, in 12th. Canadians Vaea Verbeeck and Casey Brown finished 15th and 16th overall.
