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Oh Canada! In this episode the team takes the show across the pond, firstly to the heritage DH stop at Mont Saint Anne, then onto Crankworx in Whistler.
As one of Sam’s favourite tracks in the series, everything was aiming towards a positive outcome at MSA. With strong practices sessions, and an 8th place qualifying time, that confidence was underlined and in finals Sam put down a stormer! Even with a 38th place position in split 1, Sam was able to pull himself back inside the top 10 with a blistering pace through the bottom ¾ of the track, and finish in 9th. Mont Saint Anne is Harry’s favourite track, the stoke was high for the Brit, it was time to let it loose. Unfortunately Harry got slightly too loose in the wilds of MSA hitting a larger rock near the top of his run, bending the chain guide which then wrapped the chain around his pedal/crank arm. Fraser loves the long and technical track challenges, feeling and looking great on the bike. Fraser cut 6 seconds off his qualifying time, and move ahead 10 positions in to 61st.
Then it was off to the almighty Crankworx Whistler, possibly the biggest stage of year. Hecklers rock, three DH races, whips, stunts Whistler is home to it all! But before the events kicked off Sam took part i the EWS winning the opening stage and taking on the long and technical terrain thrown at him by Chris Ball and team. Stage 5 was 12K of tech, jumps, bike park, peddling and Sam finished 7th overall in the event an excellent result. As Sam says, “I love to ride all my bikes!”. With that, he typically signs up for as many Crankworx events, this meant 5 events. Finishing up missing king of Crankworx by the slightest margin, Sam knows he has what it takes and it will soon be his. With Harry announcing this would be his last year of World Cup competition, the balance between enjoying the moment, and putting in a strong effort is important to him and our team. As Harry typically does, the methodical athlete checks off his boxes, and prepares himself accordingly. The boy put in a stormer in the air DH missing the win by less than a second! Having an awesome time in Crankworx, even hitting some old school lines in the woods. From the beginning of the season, our young Scotsman was looking forward to his first visit to British Columbia and Crankworx Whistler. With all the talk about the area, the stoke was high! As with all events, Fraser’s smile and laughter keeps our team in positive vibes!
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