Smith unbeaten in Norway
Canadian downhill mountain biker Steve Smith won the Norwegian round of the Mountain Bike World Cup, in Hafjell, for the second year in a row.
Smith won in 2012, on the debut of the Norwegian event, and confirmed his dominance on the viking track during Sunday’s race.
Racers were challenged by changing conditions on race day. All week, the course had remained dry and dusty with sunny skies overhead. On Sunday, all of that changed with clouds blocking out the sun and rain making the track very slick.
WHIP OF THE DAY @stevesmithDH pic.twitter.com/gXbkflBccw
— Downhill Free-ride ♠(@DHriders) September 16, 2013
The Devinci-sponsored rider and reigning Canadian champion rose to the challenge, riding the slick course more than 1.6 seconds faster than race leader Danny Hart of Great Britain. Andrew Neethling of South Africa claimed third place.
Congrats to Steve Smith on his World Cup win at Hafjell. Steve is now a 2x winner of that event. Hafjell will host Worlds in 2014.
— Cycling Canada MTB (@CanMTBcycling) September 15, 2013
Fastest qualifier on the Norwegian course, Gee Atherton got off line during his run and clipped a tree. By the time he got back on his bike, the best the Briton could manage was 12th.
The result puts Smith into a strong position in the overall World Cup standings. Now ranked second, Smith is just 17 points back from leader Atherton.
The Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup concludes next weekend in Leogang, Austria.
What a day out on the slip and slide yesterday!! Thanks to everyone that helped make this happen… http://t.co/RLsqEUGbrr
— Steve smith (@stevesmithDH) September 16, 2013
What @stevesmithDH is doing this season is unbelievable . Keep it going bud!
— Thomas Vanderham (@thomasvanderham) September 15, 2013
Fellow Canadian racer Mark Wallace claimed third place in the junior men’s division after a strong performance in the difficult conditions.
During the women’s race, Rachel Atherton was victorious, followed by fellow Briton Manon Carpenter in second. Third place went to Myriam Nicole of France.
Canadians Casey Brown and Miranda Miller finished eighth and ninth, respectively. Canuck Claire Buchar finished 13th overall.
Norway will host the 2014 mountain nike world championships.
