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Steve Smith wins U.S. Open

Wednesday, May 28th, 2008

Steve Smith came away with a win this past weekend at the U.S. Open and walked away with $5000.00. Fionn Griffiths also walked away with $5,000.00 on the women’s side. All of the fields this year were significantly harder as many more riders came selling out each class. For a full post-race report check inside.

Overall the race was very eventful and had lots of tension the entire weekend due to numerous helicopters having to land to cart off many riders. The course claimed many people (pro’s included) with various injuries from broken necks, punctured lungs, broken ribs, kidney damage, broken feet, and much more. The EMT’s were kept very busy all weekend and response time suffered as a result of the course claiming many riders and the precautionary methods of the EMT.

The food available at Diablo itself left much to be desired for anyone looking for a good meal before their race run or just to re-energize. There was a lot of media at the event and the weather couldn’t have been better for it. The media organization overall wasn’t the best but the job got done at the end of the day.

Dave Trumpore was one of the unfortunate riders to have a nasty crash (click to enlarge)

With over 500 participants at the 2008 U.S. Open, the competition was fierce. Many notable entries over last year included many top pro’s like Matti Lehikoinen, Brendan Fairclough, J.D. Swanguen, Filip Polc, Amiel Cavalier, Cole Bangert, Jared Rando, and many more.

Steve Smith claimed the win by .589’s over Sam Hill which was a treat to witness. Last year, Smith got second place to Bryn Atkinson and really could’ve won it with a slightly cleaner run. He was looking solid all weekend and he won over a very stacked field. To put it in perspective, 25.437 seconds was the difference between the #1 qualifier and the last qualifier with a 10 second faster overall field on the 2008 course.

The course took its toll on many riders and their bikes due to the exposed rocks. J.D. Swanguen suffered a flat in his race run but was still doing well considering the situation. Andrew Neethling looked determined all weekend and put together a solid qualifying run as well as a final run.

Steve Smith (click to enlarge)

The women’s field wasn’t quite as stacked with only eight entrants this year for the pro field and Sabrina Jonnier wasn’t in attendance. Fionn Griffiths won by 2.818’s over Kathy Pruitt.

Fionn Griffiths (click to enlarge)

Initially the course was a little bit greasy but by Sunday the course was dry and amazingly fast. The top 3 pro men were all on flat pedals, e13 guides, and Maxxis tires.

Bryn Atkinson - 3rd Pro Men’s DH (click to enlarge)

Amateurs were going fast as well during the weekend. In the men’s field Neko Mulally, riding on a recently acquired Morewood, only 15, won by 2.905’s. His time would’ve had him just under the top 20 in the Pro field.

New this year to the U.S. Open was Dual Slalom. The course was cut at the last minute and it almost didn’t even happen this year. In typical slalom magic though, once the berm blasting began, the shortcomings of the course were quickly dissolved and the cowbells rang loud.

Cody Warren (click to enlarge)

J.D. Swanguen was looking good, as was the rest of the Decline/Specialized team (Kyle Strait, Chris Herndon, Cole Bangert, Cody Warren) on the slalom course. Slalom was also delayed a good bit and the event leaked late into the night. Lighting wasn’t ideal but those in attendance still cheered strong.

In the pro men’s final Jared Rando ousted J.D. Swanguen and in the women’s field Fionn Griffiths won over Kathy Pruitt.

Open Men DH (full results here)