2021 LES GETS QUALIFIERS
THE KONA GRAVITY TEAM IS PUSHING HARDAN EXCITING NEW COURSE REFRESHES THE TEAMS' PASSION FOR RACING
With some pretty big changes to the Les Gets course, excitement is building and the track is buzzing with strategy. The track is super fresh with plenty of line choices to be discussed… if you can stay on them. Conditions started wet, but have been drying out causing for some mixed conditions, limited traction, and some loose riding.
With each set of tires burning the track in further, there is plenty of reward in adaptability. Riders are talking about several notable moves on the new course, including a rowdy step down, thousands of off camber roots, and a squirrelly gap coming out of a greasy section. To say the finals will be exciting, is an understatement.
We had a full team that stepped up to the race plate for qualifiers. Connor Fearon (#83), Miranda Miller (#33), Lauryne Chappaz (#16), Noah Hoffman (#10), Carlos Langelaan (#140), and Coen Skrypnek (#31) all survived the gnarly course.
So how did everyone do?
Connor Fearon looked smooth and steady and his confidence paid off sending him into 29th place in Elite Men’s.
Lauryne Chappaz sailed into 14th place in her second Elite Women’s qualifying race.
Noah Hoffman absolutely crushed it and received 6th place in Jr. Men’s!
Congrats to Coen Skrypnek who qualified for his first World Cup with 20th place in Jr. Men’s .
Unfortunately, while everyone made it out in one piece, not everyone will make it to the big show tomorrow. Miranda Miller got caught up behind someone, pushing her to 20th place, while Carlos Langelaan missed the cut off with 81st place.
Noah Hoffman landed a clean 6th place in Jr. Men’s.
The athlete experience
I’m stoked to qualify in the top 30 and be in the main show for tomorrow. After the disappointment of crashing and not qualifying for leogang I felt a bit more pressure than normal to just qualify so glad that part is done now… the track was running mint for qualifying but rain looks like a real possibility for tomorrow. I’m coming in excited and ready for whatever the weather has in store for us tomorrow!
Coen Skrypnek will race in Finals tomorrow after qualifying 20th place.
Noah Hoffman staying planted.
The dirt was loose, rowdy, and unforgiving.
The athlete experience
I lacked the aggression needed to be up there in the top 15, as well as a few things out of my control. Everyone is so strong, it’s probably actually a good thing that I couldn’t show up and ride my DH bike for the first time and qualify! The level is high! Out of the regular racers, 12 of them are on Factory Teams, making it very hard for privateers to sneak into the 15. I’m sure it’s helped in part to raise the level of competition but with how many women are now competing, it would be nice to see a bit more room available again.
Lauryne Chappaz rode like white lightening into 14th place.
Carlos Langelaan earned style points on every one of these technical jumps.
When it comes to kits, Coen Skrypnek’s jersey was a sight for bored eyes.
Team sponsors
As always, thank you to our team sponsors for their support.
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