Cairns World Cup Downhill Finals Results 20

Heavy, clay-based mud was a bigger threat than any spider or snake today in Cairns, Australia, for the 2nd UCI World Cup Downhill of 2014. Rain had soaked the region the past few days and nights, but held off for most of race day. The lack of continued moisture allowed the mud to slowly dry, becoming stickier with every passing rider who slogged down the jungle course. On the gravity-fed portions of the track, the mud was difficult, but manageable, while the lower, flatter portion of the course is where the race was won or lost. Heavy, mud-covered bikes, a mellow pitch and tractionless soil meant any remaining energy a racer had would be spent by the end. Pure fortitude and determination through this section lifted the winners to the top.

Among the women, it was another day of decimation for Rachel Atherton. While Manon Carpenter threw down an incredible run to earn 2nd place, she was still 11-seconds behind Rachel Atherton who claimed her first World Cup victory of 2014. Manon and Rachel, however were on another level. 3rd place Myriam Nicole was 25-seconds off the top pace and 4th place, Emmeline Ragot was 28-seconds off. As in qualifying, Myriam had a very strong top split time, meaning she railed the slippery bowl corners.

In the men's, local boy Jack Moir set the early pace, and it would take until Marcelo Gutierrez to dislodge him from the hot seat. Steve Peat was shown a red flag and got a rerun after a lengthy course hold caused by a spectator trying to ride injured Adam Brayton's bike down the track, only to crash it in the whoops section! Say what you will, Australia delivers drama unlike any other venue. Sam Hill laid down a loose and fast run, and took a big chunk of time out of Marcelo. Local favorite Mick Hannah was next to drop in, but it was not to be. Mud on his arm was evidence of an off-camera off-piste excursion that would put an end to his hopes. Then Josh Bryceland dropped in, determined to make good on his Vital Power Ranking, and the Menace from Manchester delivered, taking nearly 3 seconds off Hill. How good would that time prove to be?

6 riders to go, Gee dropped in on flat pedals, a decision that paid off as he laid down a loose and fast stormer to knock Josh off the hot seat by an incredible 4 seconds. Was the course just getting that much faster as it slowly dried out, or was this Gee back on top form? Minnaar went off track and failed to rejoin at the point of exit, which would ultimately see him disqualified after posting the 10th fastest time. Loic Bruni rallied to the fastest time at split 1 but would go on to crash, Gwin was 6 seconds off at split 1....and suddenly only top qualifier Sam Blenkinsop remained. It was not to be for the Kiwi....and just like that, Gee silenced the early season doubters and climbed the top step of the podium once again. Atherton double for the day too! And what to say about Ratboy finishing 2nd, Neko Mulally 3rd, the young guns are coming! Not to take anything away from the old dogs though, Steve Peat eventually brought it home to an incredible 7th after almost not riding all week due to back spasms and getting the red flag for his first attempt - well done Old Skool!

In the juniors, Lapierre's Loris Vergier stayed consistent by backing up his winning qualifying ways with a victory in finals today. 2nd place qualifier, Luca Shaw, had a less-than-hoped-for result with a 9th place finish, 31-seconds off the pace. Australian Aiden Varley was only 5.7-seconds off Lori's pace earning a 2nd place finish with Neil Stewart of Great Britain in 3rd.

Elite Men's Downhill Results from Cairns

Elite Women's Downhill Results from Cairns

Junior Men's Downhill Results from Cairns