1199 is the number of points Stevie Smith (Chainsaw) compiled during the 2013 World Cup Season. It’s an apt name for a racetrack. The trail didn’t disappoint for this inaugural Whistler World Cup DH event. Friday kicked off practice with full fall slop, growing gradually stickier as Sunday approached.
The race sounded like thousands of rousing gravity fans, and the howl of heavy-cased tires. It smelled like cannabis — beer was prohibited on the hill, so folks made do — and 2-stroke chainsaw smoke. And it looked like people doing what we all love — far faster. If there was a taste, it was a musty one.
The course was stickier on race day.
Far cooler temps on Friday had riders laughing their way down track. Tahnee Seagrave and Myriam Nicole included.
Fast foot out.
The ruts are real — and they run deep.
Riders had to sprint into every gap on Friday. The B-Line won’t be an option on race day, so they practice accordingly.
Soon to be laundry day.
Shiny earth.
Tree huggin’!
Happy fungi abound.
Most riders opted for dry-tire treads, as mud spikes squirm on the roots and rocks that make up much of the 1199 tread.
Come Sunday, the sunshine did its thing, and fans were pumped for the party!
Into the shadows.
This nifty cover keeps rotors clean-ish and brakes feeling consistent.
Lightbulb bright kits came out for the big event.
Nina Hoffmann’s sharp kit pleases the camera sensor every time. Hoffmann finished the day in 11th position, earning 13th in the overall thus far.
The crowd was peppered with former racers like this kind cat.
Team tracksuit onesie in flight.
Oopsies!
Sent.
Cracking open the rock garden came with the daunting roar of several thousand fans and their noisemakers.
Your women’s winner, Vali Höll, poised.
Frameworks Racing had a strong showing on Sunday.
Spot the winner.
See the full results here. We hope to return for many more World Cup events in Whistler.
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