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An incredible week of racing concludes with a dramatic sea-side finish in Croatia. The first World Cup DH is in the books with three American racers on the podium and 5 in the top 15. Enjoy the photos and interviews from Sven, Boris and Dan as we now sit and wait six weeks until round 2 in Fort William. YEW!!!
Aaron Gwin flipping for joy after winning the opening round. Best World Cup podium maybe ever? -Sven Martin
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Aaron Gwin had such a big gap to the other riders that he had time to take a break and lean against the wall before the finish. @maddogboris
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Myriam Nicole looked smoothest and fastest in the gap section today, easily doubling down the compressions that most of the others cased or rolled. A 3.5-second victory is massive considering the length of the course. -Sven Martin
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I can forsee a season-long battle in the Junior Men's racing this year. Thibaut Daprela takes the win this round with a bunch of hungry up-and-comers breathing down his neck. -Sven Martin
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With her history of big wins at the iXS Cup, it should come as no surprise that first year junior Vali Höll put 12.5 seconds into the field to take the win. -Dan Hearn
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Guest Vital Reporter, Loic Bruni interviewing Luca Shaw! @maddogboris
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Loic says Luca Shaw had the nicest runs today and his time says he had the second-fastest run of the day! @maddogboris
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Rachel Atherton played safe today and was happy about her 2nd place. It's a long season ahead with familiar tracks to come. @maddogboris
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Kade Edwards loves to yank it. 2nd place for the Brit in Juniors with passion and fire coming in to Fort William. -Sven Martin
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Over the road crossing and into the urban: Nastasia Gimenez of France couldn't match the pace of Vali Höll but finished 2nd in Junior Women. -Dan Hearn
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The Intense team all looked fast on the Croatian track but it was Dean Lucas that took 3rd for the fluorescent brigade. Dropping in last, he handled the pressure and applied the hurt to all but two riders, only 1.1 off the win. Well done, Deano. -Dan Hearn
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Tahnée's off-season antics have given her a stylish edge in the women's field. A solid third place to start the season on a punishing track after a disappointng qualifier. -Dan Hearn
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Hold your hats and noses. It's time for a salt bath. AdriRADic Sea Dunk. -Sven Martin
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Big props from Rachel and Tahnee to Myriam (after having a little podium swim and near-drowning). @maddogboris
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An awesome return to form for Sam Blenkinsop who hasn't stepped onto the podium in 2 years. -Dan Hearn
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Dakota Norton spent a long time in the hot seat today. He knew he had a good run in the bag as you can tell here from his excited U-turn-timing-board-check-out. YEAH DAK! -Sven Martin
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5 of the top 6 Junior Men just completed their first World Cup. Canyon Factory Team junior Kye A'Hern stormed into 3rd place. -Dan Hearn
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Big weight of nerves off the shoulders for some of the first-year Junior riders after waiting so long to compete in their first-ever World Cup. Milie Johnset from Norway starts with a podium for Trek Factory Racing. -Sven Martin
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Oh man Brook! We wanted to see you up there on the podium today. Glad it's just a broken collarbone. Heal up quick! @maddogboris
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Kiwi Steel! Brook is unbreakable, even if broken. @maddogboris
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Cecile Ravanel is a force to be reckoned with. On the podium at her second downhill World Cup and gaining confidence on the big bike at an alarming rate. We look forward to seeing her climb the podium at a few more races this year. -Dan Hearn
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Urban acid trip gone right. Or was it the mushrooms? -Sven Martin
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Danny Hart in for a top ten! Watch out for him battling for the win at the next stop in Fort. William. He's heading there immediately to get his set-up on lock. -Sven Martin
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Hitting the Sissy Gap with a flat tire is a bit of a 50/50 gamble that some people are willing take. Race runs mean all in. -Sven Martin
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The aftermath. All-in doesn't always mean winning. @maddogboris
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Table for two please. Miranda Miller blasting through the streets of Losinj. -Dan Hearn
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The Intense squad are not just team mates but good friends. too. Everybody was happy for everybody. -Sven Martin
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Jack Moir missing the podium by the smallest margins. A good day though for team green. -Sven Martin
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Loris Vergier only had it clicked half way through his run, which would not be good enough on this short course despite being only 3 seconds back. 8th place, but some legit points for a long season ahead. -Sven Martin
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Neko Mulally, 12th place and on the gas. -Lee Trumpore
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Marine Cabirou has has made a big leap from last year. A podium to start her 2018 campaign. #BOOSTMODE -Sven Martin
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Gwin's signature Onza Aquila took the win on possibly the most challenging track for wheels and tires. -Sven Martin
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Your Top 3 men on the big screen at the jam packed harbor. #dontpushme -Sven Martin
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If you have the chance to wash off the champagne with a jump in the sea, go for it. Rachel Atherton. @maddogboris
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A lot of stuff was a bit different here in Croatia. Shooting from a boat and pyrotechnics = winning. @maddogboris
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Myriam Nicole can't be bothered to stop and smell the flowers. On her way to the first Elite Women's win of the 2018 season in Croatia. @maddogboris
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Amaury Pierron got slowed down by a flat tire, otherwise he may have been one of the guys jumping in the water after spraying champagne. @maddogboris
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New Year, new team and a solid 18th place for Greg Williamson. @maddogboris
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Troy Brosnan with "just" a 9th place today! We know there is a big chance we will see him back on the podium in Fort William. @maddogboris
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A location like Croatia for the World Cup season opener is about more than just racing. Rachel and Gee enjoy a beverage together in the evening sun before heading back home tomorrow. @maddogboris
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2nd today for Luca Shaw who couldn't hide how stoked he was with his run. -Dan Hearn
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Big smiles as Laurie Greenland crosses the finish line and takes 7th. -Dan Hearn
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Aaron Gwin squashing and scrubbing the short gaps and drops. He probably has one of the best functional scrubs in the business. -Sven Martin
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Perfect style, technique and speed as displayed by Valentina Höll during her wining race run which would have placed her 6th in Elites. -Sven Martin
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The Junior Men's podium with a couple faces to remember! 1. Thibaut Daprela, 2. Kade Edwards and 3. Kye A'hern. @maddogboris
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Your Junior Women's podium in Losinj. 1. Vali Höll, 2. Nastasia Gimenez and 3. Mille Johnset @maddogboris
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Champagne before a salty margarita dip here in Losinj. -Sven Martin
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The sun sets on a successful first round of World Cup racing. Putting the lights out on the internet keyboard warriors preconceptions of how this round would turn out. -Sven Martin - THANK YOU SVEN, BORIS, DAN, LEE & JOHAN FOR A KILLER WEEK OF EPIC COVERAGE!!! -gordo
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CATCH UP ON ALL OF VITAL'S WORLD CUP DH COVERAGE
THANK YOU SVEN, BORIS, DAN, LEE & JOHAN FOR A KILLER WEEK OF EPIC COVERAGE!!! -gordo
View replies to: #USDH ON FIRE - Croatia World Cup DH Finals
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