July 4/04 7:42 am - Calgary World Cup: DH Story

Posted by Editoress on 07/4/04
 

Calgary World Cup Calgary Alberta

Report brought to you with the support of Vélirium 2004 and ORYX

Steve Peat (Team Orange) won the Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup on Sunday, with one race still remaining in the series, despite finishing third at the Calgary Olympic Park event, behind David Vazquez Lopez (Maxxis-MSC) and Markoff Berchtold (Maxxis-MSC). In the women's race, Sabrina Jonnier (Intense) held onto her overall series lead, despite finishing second to countrywomen Celine Gros (Team Morzine Avoriaz). Top Canadian man was Derrick Chambers (Evilution), in 13th place, 4.46 seconds behind Vazquez Lopez. Canadian champion Mike Jones (Norco) was the next Canadian man in 21st place, 6.72 seconds behind. In the women's race, Danika Schroeter was seventh, 12.85 seconds behind Gros.

Rain made the 1.3 kilometre course slippery, forcing the riders to be cautious in the turns. The rain let up for the final men, which actually made the course slower as the ground became tacky.

Jones was fined 1250 Swiss francs (approximately $1350) and lost 50 international ranking points for not wearing his national champion's jersey. "This is my first World Cup of the year, since I've been out recovering from wrist surgery (broken wrist and torn ligaments last December while dirt jumping), so I didn't know that the officials were enforcing that rule. It's pretty harsh. Mountain biking is having enough trouble as it is - nobody's getting paid except for a few guys."

Jones plans to talk to the CCA and will appeal the decision, which is allowed for any fine over 200 Swiss francs.

Race Note

- Mike Jones pointed out that a friend of his who was speeding at more than double the speed limit in a school zone without insurance was only fined $1100.