The 2022 scenario was repeated today at the Mont-Sainte-Anne Downhill World Cup as Canadian Jackson Goldstone climbed to the top step of the podium.
The British Columbia rider, who like his compatriot and friend Finn Iles was last to start last year, managed a perfect descent in front of an enthusiastic crowd and secured his second win of the season, which allowed him to finish the year in second place in the Complete overall ranking ranking.
“It’s an honor to win at home,” said Goldstone, who won in the junior category last year. I wanted to show that Canada is here to stay after the victories of Finn and Steve Smith (2013). It’s great that Canada won two in a row.”
Ill at the start of the season and unable to take part in the World Championships, Goldstone found himself unable to believe what he had achieved in his first season in the elite category. “My goal was to win a podium and I finished the year with five podiums, including two wins,” said the 20-year-old driver. I exceeded my expectations. I had my ups and downs, but I was able to come back strong. I hope I can do even better next year if I stay healthy.”
Fall of the reigning champion
Reigning champion Finn Iles was literally flying across the track when his horse slipped on the rocky section. The Specialized Gravity rider had a lead of more than four seconds over his nearest opponent on a wet track due to showers.
“It’s so disappointing because I had a very good race and could have finished in the top three,” he said. You roll the dice on a wet place. Compared to the first two days, the conditions were completely different. I was able to adapt, except at the end. I pushed hard and was willing to take risks, but I should have been smarter by slowing down at the end of the race.”
“I wanted to make up places in the overall standings and that’s why I pushed so hard to chase Iles, who finished the season in 4th place overall. I knew that with a win I would move up a few places. It’s my first fall of the season and it’s sad that it happened here.”
Overall victory
Frenchman Loïc Bruni, who crashed at the Snowshoe in Virginia last week, was not very confident heading into the final. “I’m very proud that I withstood the pressure because I’m not too strong in the rain and my body was at the end of its life after the fall last week,” said Bruni, who enjoys performing in Quebec. The main goal was to win the overall title, even if I didn’t win the race.”
“Both physically and mentally it was one of the most difficult races of my career as I chased Bruni, who won the World Championship in Mont-Sainte-Anne in 2019. I was on the verge of collapse. I’m very happy that the season is over.”
In the women’s event, Austria’s Valentina Holl secured victory and secured the overall title. The German Nina Hoffmann and the Italian Veronika Widmann completed the podium.