Chris Milliman
Brian Lopes, winner in the Sram Gravity Omnium Dual Slalom
Photo by Chris Milliman
The outcome of Saturday’s Sram Gravity Omnium Pro Dual Slalom was decided by luck. Sabrina Jonnier and Brian Lopes won the women’s titles. They each took advantage of slips from their competitors in the two up, best of two format.
Lopes took advantage a Cedric Gracia first run slip. Lopes, the 4-Cross World Champion, used his incredible gravity skills to pressure Gracia early on, leading to a costly error by the Frenchman. Lopes was able to make the second run a formality after Gracia had lost so much time.
I was 18th in my qualifier and that made it difficult for me to race hard the whole way, stated Gracia. Racing Brian, I need to let it all go and I just slipped one pedal at the top. Brian is a great racer.
Lopes said that I had more fun than I thought this morning. It was dry and fun. It was great racing against Cedric. Cedric is a friend of mine on the circuit. I know that he will give me a great race every time I face him.
Jonnier had a 0.6 second advantage on Vanessa Quinn, her compatriot in finals, in the first run. Quinn was still ahead going into the decisive 50-meter second run. Quinn’s attempt to win the race ended in one of the many deep, gooey ruts which had formed over the course the day. Quinn lost his momentum, skidded off and Jonnier was in control.
Jonnier said that she was sure to have crossed a dangerous line. I’m not crazy about the mud but it was equally bad for everyone.
1. Brian LopesGT Bicycles
2. Cedric Gracia (Fra)Commerical
3. Cody WarrenC-Dub Racing
4. Fabian BarelKona-Les Gets
5. Jared Rando (Aus)Giant
6. Ryan FinneyWTB-Fox-Santa Cruz
7. John Kirkcaldie (NZl)Maxxis
8. Mick Hannah (Aust)Cannondale
9. Bryn Atkinson (Aus)GT Bicycles
10. Jared Graves (Aus).YetiFox
WOMEN
1. Sabrina Jonnier, (Fra.Iron Horse-Monster
2. Vanessa Quinn (NZl)
3. Tracy Moseley (GBr).
4. Anneke Beerten (Ned)Specialized
5. Jill KintnerGT Bicycles
