It is the 2nd year that Redbull Monte/ Descente was put on during the Canada Cup weekend at Mt. Tremblant, and what an event! The race consists of 40 teams, an XC racer paired with a DH racer, that complete combined laps in a relay format through the village.
The race takes place at night, down the ski hill and through the village. The DH course consisted of drops, ladders, wallrides, stairs, rock shoots and even some climbing to separate the fit from the unfit and to provide plenty of excitement for the spectators. The course was lined deep with spectators as the athletes took off!
Kyle L. and Harold W. were both late entries, but were stoked to participate and had strong XC partners. Harold was paired with Specialized factory rider Francis Morin, who had won the Canada Cup U23 elite race that day!
The race was on, and the bad luck was just about to begin. After coming out of the "Lemans" start first, a timing issue kept Harold from dropping in until about 30 riders had gone ahead! Kyle was off to the races, coming out of the "Lemans" start in 3rd, but the lights he had thrown together would soon die and Kyle was left to race down the technical track in the dark until he had to call it quits! Harold flatted on his first lap, but with his quick pit crew, he was back up and running. Meanwhile Francis managed to take us from 30th to mid 20's in just one climb! Another crash for Harold, but Francis continues to show his strength and keeps on passing riders! On the 4th lap, Harold had a horrific crash, and rips the bolts out of his stem, and the race was over.
Regardless of the results, you could not wipe the smile off both these racers face afterwards. Harold woke up on race day Sunday with a bike that needed some serious attention. Thanks to the boys at Devinci, Shimano, and Jeff Faulds, he was up and running in no time.
Check out the video below, and spot Kyle and Harold in their blue Dakine outfits!
http://www.redbull.ca/cs/Satellite/fr_CA/Video/Red-Bull-Monte-Descend-2010-021242854377684
The boys are eager for another shot next year!
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