Sam Blenkinsop On The Podium At World Cup 2

[denmother]

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Sam Blenkinsop On The Podium At World Cup 2

June 2, 2008

On Sunday Sam Blenkinsop (Yeti/Fox Factory Team) took his first ever step onto the World Cup podium with a classy ride in Round 2 of the Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Vallnord, Andorra. Sam became only the 2nd New Zealand male DH rider to do so, following on from Justin Leov who also finished fifth back in 2005 at Angel Fire (USA).

Now team mates, the two kiwis trained well all week on the course but it was clear that the two and half minute track was a little more to "Blinky's" liking. The team used their own timing equipment throughout the week and Sam was showing speed on all sections of the course and recording times that were within range of a win.
Following on from his showing on the World's course in Italy, at the test event last month where Sam qualified fastest and finished 7th, he was widely tipped in the paddock as the next rider to stand on the podium for the first time. Sam was pretty stoked by the whole thing.

"I was way nervous backstage at the podium, getting up on the box for the first time, there was heaps of press. I could get used to this though, I'm really happy to do it for Yeti and Fox in my first year on the team. The track was mean as, and I pretty much enjoyed training on it all the time. The top section of corners was pretty sweet and I got the bottom section dialled later on, so even though I made a mistake in the semi, running wide and hooking up on a tree, I knew what I had to do in the final. I like Fort William too so I'm keen for the next race".

After a unanimous petition from the top riders in the world after the 1st round in Maribor, the UCI returned to the 5 rider podium, and not a 3 rider one.
Sam's podium result also moves him into 9th overall in the World Cup, just 2 points behind his team mate Justin Leov.

Semi Final Results:
1. Gee Atherton (GBR) 2:41.63
2. Sam Hill (AUS) 2:43.31
3. Fabien Barel (FRA) 2:43.44
4. Steve Peat (GBR) 2:43.98
5 Steve Smith (CAN) 2:44.98
7. Sam Blenkinsop (NZL) 2:45.25

Final Results:
1. Gee Atherton (GBR) 2:35.35
2. Sam Hill (AUS) 2:35.66
3. Greg Minnaar (RSA) 2:36.73
4. Steve Peat (GBR) 2:37.49
5. Sam Blenkinsop (NZL) 2:38.71

[DownhillWebKook]

The Atherton family had a remarkable weekend. Commencal is located in Andorra so it was a big deal for them to have the top box in MTX, M DH, and W DH with Dan, Gee, and Rachel, respectively. With Sam Hill being so dominant, Gee has been hyped as the guy to take down Sam and he managed here.

In any case, I am always one to root for Peaty. At Sea Otter, he looked like he was in great shape--a little more lean and a lot quicker. World Champs is later this month so Peaty has a great chance if he survives Fort William this weekend. Not only that, my boy Kevin Aiello made the Junior Worlds team and is in a great position to challenge the likes of Josh Bryceland and the other juniors.

Next stop: Fort Bill. Watch it live on www.Freecaster.com.

[denmother]

Different post: Sunday is an Atherton Sweep in Andorra