June 29/02 1:56 am - Chausson Wins MSA DH

Posted by Editor on 06/29/02
 

Mont Ste Anne World Cup DH #3

Unlike many of the World Cup Downhill's here in the past, the course conditions are just about perfect. After some rain on Wednesday it has been sunny, hot and dry. These conditions prevail today as well. It is brilliantly sunny, with temperatures in the mid-20's and a very pleasant breeze coming off of the St. Lawrence River.

The overall impression of the course is the dryness. On the upper portion of the course on the open ski run there is dust blowing around after each rider goes past, again a rare feature when compared to past events. Only in one middle section of the course, where the large ramp has been constructed in the forest, is there any hint of mud.

The layout of the course is essentially the same as last year's event. There is the long straightaway leading down from the start into a series of small chicanes with some rather tricky loose gravel berms. The course then steepens dramatically into a sweeping left transitioning into a big right turn into the trees. The end of this tree section will be a favourite of the spectators - there is a considerable drop over a rock ledge back out onto another ski run.

There is then a high speed open section leading into a very rough rock garden heading into the next set of trees. This is a beautiful spot that corkscrews through the woods. A bit later the course difficulty increases dramatically. There are huge mesh fences erected to catch riders who may get off track. Rock ledges, slippery roots and some very steep pitches will likely cause a number of crashes. The aforementioned ramp is at the end of this stretch of woods. Leading back out on to the ski runs is a fairly flat section through the sugar maples. It won't be a welcome spot because the racers will have to pedal hard to maintain speed.

Just above the finish is another wooden ramp leading out of the woods. Racers can see the finish from this point, but the course isn't over yet. The DH joins into the lower portion of the 4-Cross course with some imposing berms, double jumps and some really sketchy soil. Tired riders will have to stay focused through here to avoid mistakes. Its a great looking course and a true challenge for everyone.

Top seeds in the men's race are Cedric Gracia (Volvo-Cannondale) at 5:15.98, followed by Greg Minnaar (Global Racing) and Steve Peat. Top Canadian was Mathieu Laurin in 16th place. A significant absentee is multi-time World Champ Nico Vouilloz. He has recently had surgery on his hand after an injury at the Maribor round of the World Cup.

For the women World Champion Anne-Caroline Chausson (Volvo-Cannondale) was the fastest in a time of 6:06.37, followed by Sabrina Jonnier and Tracy Moseley. The top seeded Canadian is Cassandra Boon in 23rd. The newsworthy Michelle Dumaresq broke a brake lever in during practice and finished managed her seeding run without a rear brake.

Results of the semi-final run (seeding run).

Women
1. Anne Caroline Chausson (Fra) Volvo-Cannondale 6:06.37
2. Sabrina Jonnier (Fra) at 0:04.79
3. Tracy Mosley (GBR) 0:10.34
4. Marla Streb (USA) Luna Chix 0:14.63
5. Missy Giove (USA) Global Racing 0:16.18
6. Vanessa Quinn (NZL) 0:19.93
7. Fionn Griffiths (GBR) 0:0:23.85
8. Kathy Pruitt (USA) 0:25.01
9. Mio Suemasa (Jpn) Trek-VW 0:26.74
10. Marielle Saner (Sui) Global Racing 0:31.48

23. Cassandra Boon (Can) 1:48.07
25. Cassidy Johnson (Can) 2:32.23
26. Michelle Dumaresq (Can) John Henry 3:04.00
27. Sophie Poirier (Can) 3:46.33

Men
1. Cedric Gracia (Fra) Volvo-Cannondale 5:15.98
2. Greg Minnaar (RSA) Global Racing at 0:00.35
3. Steve Peat (GBR) 0:02.07
4. Mickael Pascal (Fra) Be One 0:08.46
5. Kirt Voreis (USA) Haro-Lee Dungarees 0:10.63

16. Mathieu Laurin (Can) 0:21.44
27. Michael Jones (Can) 0:28.00
34. Leon May (Can) 0:31.15
47. Brant Lyon (Can) 0:38.39
48. Dustin Adams (Can) Giant 0:38.80
50. Hugo Donais (Can) 0:40.99
57. Jordie Lunn (Can) 0:46.60
58. Trevor Porter (Can) 0:47.01
67. Chad Onyschuk (Can) 0:53.13
68. Olivier Markon (Can) 0:54.81
71. Stephane Mailhot (Can) 0:56.93
78. Vincent Marcotte (Can) 1:14.39
80. Brian Eller (Can) 1:15.96
84. Frederic Belanger (Can) 3:21.11