Chris Kovarik places 3rd at Crankworx Air DH

The Jim Beam Air Downhill took place on Wednesday here in Whistler at the Kokanee Crankworx Festival. One of the most famous and most celebrated tracks in mountain biking, A-Line consists of nearly 100 jumps throughout it's length=great fun to ride but very difficult to race. Thousands of spectators watched the action on the big screen in the finish arena of the village and the racers definately put on a show. Many World Cup pros were competing in this event such as Andrew Neethling, Cedric Gracia, Nico Vink and Matti Lehikoinen. Chris Kovarik showed his power and skill as he hammered the track to the hot seat, knocking U.K. rider Marc Beaunmont off by one second. But there were 2 more powerhouse riders to come, 3 time Air DH winner Brian Lopes and former World Champ Greg Minnaar. Lopes, riding his little bike, came slingshotting down the final stretch knocking 5 seconds off Chris's time (rumour has it the 4X star was prejumping and skimming the tops of most of the jumps-crazy!)and Minnaar was just one second off of Lopes' time. Overall, it was an impressive performance from Chris who usually shines on the wide open gnarly courses. The Air DH track is VERY physical, a sprint from start to finish and with this caliber of riders, there was no margin for mistakes. Well done Chris! Here are the results for top 5 Pro Men: 1 Brian Lopes (04:22.10) 2 Greg Minnaar (04:23.42) 3 Chris Kovarik (04:27.60) 4 Marc Beaumont (04:28.77) 5 Curtis Keene (04:30.00) Report by Claire Buchar and picture provided by Yorick Carroux. www.crcintense.com