Steve Smith, King of Crankworx DH

  Steve Smith blew the doors off the competition and sealed a triple crown win of all three DH races at Crankworx 2012. Photo ~ Blake Jorgenson / Crankworx 2012

The Jeep Canadian Open Downhill was the last event of Crankworx Whistler 2012. It was a rowdy affair today with an exhausting and technical descent that included running the gauntlet at Heckler’s Rock. With a time of 2:44.80 Steve Smith (CAD) was untouchable once again at Crankworx Whistler, crushing his competition and finishing almost five seconds faster than second place racer Mick Hannah (AUS) +4.64. Andrew Neethling (RSA) finished third fastest with +5.61.

Coverage of the Jeep Canadian Open DH was phenomenal and included seven wired cameras on the ground, two cable cams and one helicopter camera, ensuring those watching the live webcast at home had front row seats. Some of the most entertaining footage came from Heckler’s Rock where hundreds of shirtless men (and some women) started to gather around 9am today.

  Heckler’s Rock was the place to be Sunday. Photo ~ Blake Jorgenson / Crankworx 2012

With this win Steve Smith takes the triple-crown; winning first place in every DH event at Crankworx Whistler. Today’s victory at the Jeep Canadian Open DH is particularly sweet as he earns $10,000; the largest prize purse awarded at any DH race in the world. It is apparent Smith is on another level of racing as he goes into the seventh and final round of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup DH in Hafjell Norway.

The women’s podium was a sweep for Canadians with the fastest woman Casey Brown (CAD) coming in way ahead with a time of 3:15.28. Next up was Claire Buchar (CAD) at +9.81 and Lauren Rosser (CAD) +10.44. 

  Smith and the big cheque. Photo ~ Blake Jorgenson / Crankworx 2012

With these wins, Smith and Brown also earned enough points to take the overall King and Queen of Crankworx titles. Local Whistler boy Jack Illes was awarded the Prince of Crankworx title for his outstanding performance in the Boys (13-16) category.

Stevie’s on fire! That new carbon Wilson appears to have him going faster than ever. Did you catch the action from Heckler’s Rock?