For the third time in a row, at the Ultimate Pump Track Challenge presented by RockShox, defending champs in both the Pro Men’s and Pro Women’s categories kept their titles. Mitch Ropelato and Jill Kintner took the wins for the third time in as many years at Crankworx Whistler.

It was a new track in a new venue but the story stayed the same, Mitch Ropelato (USA) stayed on top to cinch the title; with Troy Brosnan (AUS) in second and Cody Johnson (USA) in third.

Jill Kintner (USA) pulled in first against second place Micayla Gatto (CAD) while Melissa Buhl (USA) took third.

Pump tracks, an endless loop of steeply banked corners, doubles, gaps and rollers, have grown steadily in their popularity. This year the pump track was moved from the Whistler Mountain Bike to Whistler Olympic Park to create a compact and spectator-friendly arena in the heart of the village. It is estimated over 4,000 spectators gathered to watch the head to head showdowns as riders pumped through the track’s whoop-dee-doos and berms.

Tomorrow’s action at Crankworx Whistler includes the Red Bull Joyride Qualifiers getting underway at 1:30-3pm. Then from 6-8pm the GIANT Dual Slalom will showcase exciting head to head race action at the base of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Both events will be live webcast at www.crankworx.com.


Jill Kintner returned from injury to show she still had it.


Mitch Ropelato looks like he just loves racing his bikes. He gave Specialized a win aboard the new P.Slope.


Cody Johnson rode stronger as the night wore on. Good for 3rd place money.


Pump track racing is close action and the large crowd got behind the flowing.


Troy Brosnan.


Funny how things twist when you hit the ground hard.