Photo Epic: Dual Slalom - Crankworx Whistler 2023
It's always a favourite this Dual Slalom thing, for riders and spectators alike. The intensity is unmatched, and todays racing was proved that. Over the course of a couple of hours, some of the world's best, whether they were downhillers, bmxers, or new-gen Crankworx athletes, fought it out head to head down this tight course tucked in the side of the Boneyard.
In the women's, you had Harriet Burbidge-Smith looking to go 4 from 4, up against stiff competition in the likes of Jill Kintner, whom she hadn't yet battled with, and a hard charge from the like of Martha Gill and Louise Ferguson.
In the men's, it was all about the battle for the crown, with today's Dual Slalom offering a strong chance for Tuhoto-Ariki Pene to close the door on Bas van Steenbergen in hunt for that King of Crankworx title. Bas would need to win here in order to keep Tuhoto at bay, where as Tuhoto would only need one single point. Early on, we saw some stiff racing with many friends and teammates facing off against each other, followed with late drama in the way of DQ's and heavy spills.
Sam Blenkinsop in the round of 16
Connor Fearon with his flat out, aggressive style, and Bas with his clinical precision.
Sik Mik and Gillie faced off early in the round of 8.
Gilchrist v. Hannah
Sam Blenkinsop and Tuhoto-Ariki Pene, another tough pairing earlier in the round of 8.
Van Steenbergen v. Frew
Jill Kintner 4th
Tuhuto-Ariki Pene
Man of the match today - 4th here at slalom, only a few hours after winning his first Whip-Off title.
Buchanan vs Ferguson.
Fearon diving in deep.
Never not on the gas.
Anytime there's gates involved, Caroline's one to watch. She clinched the Queen of Crankworx title off the back of the pumptrack last night, so didn't need to push too hard here today, finishing 5th.
Louise Ferguson edging out Jill Kintner
That Gilchrist style.
Jackson Frew vs Shreddie Reynolds. Seasoned racer vs the new kid.
Down to the line.
Martha Gill v. Jill Kintner
A scary slam for Ryan Gilchrist
Ryan Gilchrist was on fire here, but went down hard in his semi-final heat against Tuhoto.
Somehow Gilly got up from this, and raced for silver.
Jill Kintner was back to her old tricks.
After that eventful run between Tuhoto and Ryan Gilchrist, Shreddie Reynolds had to face off with the kiwi powerhouse in a fight for bronze.
Ryan Gilchrist down but not out
Gentlemen.
Martha Gill overjoyed at Haz's Dual Slalom clean sweep
Winner Jackson Frew
Podium Party
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6 Comments
- 13 0
bman33
(Jul 28, 2023 at 16:28)
F yeah slalom! Great pics PB team!
- 1 3
OwenM2009
(Jul 29, 2023 at 12:20)
Watch the language
- 6 0
greenie13
(Jul 28, 2023 at 18:20)
Slalom bike checks please
- 3 0
Ridebikes4ever
FL (Jul 28, 2023 at 16:43)
I'm all for the bmx background saddle positioning. What is this rear tilted up thing going on nowadays?
- 1 0
bman33
(Jul 29, 2023 at 14:33)
That's been going on for decades. The seat tiltled back helps prevent it catchign on clothing when tucking the bike up close to the rider when pumping/scrubbing over rollers and jumps
- 1 0
sirbikealot
(Jul 28, 2023 at 22:35)
LOVE the new faces on the podium
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