Lopes and Miller Reign Supreme Crystal Mountain, WA: August 5, 2000
Preview
The dual slalom was easily top on the list for spectators here at Crystal Mountain, Washington, Saturday. The race promoters did not fail to set up a spectacular course. Compared to last weekend's relatively tame Deer Valley course, many of the pros commented on just how radical Crystal's dual run was. "They put some time into this course; this is a good course," said Ryan White (USA, Giant). White, at 19, is new to the pro circuit, but is already fully sponsored by Team Giant. Keep an eye out.
Men The story of the day belongs to Flyin' Brian Lopes, who hammered the nearest competitors to take 1st with his staggering speed and power while occasionally vomiting and finally crossing the line looking sick, sick, sick. If he can win like that on a sick day...the man redefines ill. There was plenty of action for the 2nd and 3rd slots to boot, or should I say Bootes, as in the battle between Wade Bootes (Trek/Volkswagen) and Mike King (Haro). King put in a powerful ride but lost it by a bit in the end. He attributed it to an oversight. "I made a mental mistake with Bootes," said a fairly positive King. "I underestimated him in the last run. I should have gone harder 'cause I had him earlier." Given the way King had been sweeping that course up to that point, I could almost go for it. The man has talent. Which is definitely no slag on Bootes, who earned his 2nd place by going hard to the end, all the while flying his World Championship rainbow jersey. Tomac's Rich Houseman brought up 4th with a solid set of rides.
Women Notably absent, and definitely missed was Foes/Azonic star Missy Giove, who initially registered as a no-show. Turns out she injured an ankle earlier in the day (no doubt on the seriously vicious downhill course) and wanted to save what she has for Sunday's Pro DH.
Michael Wolfson, MountainZone.com Staff
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||