MTB World Cup DH 4X #1 - CDM

Vigo, Spain, May 11-13, 2007

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Stage 8 - May 13: Downhill Elite women final

Sabrina shows her magic

By Greg Johnson

Sabrina Jonnier (Iron Horse/Monster Energy)
Photo ©: Maria Muina

French rider Sabrina Jonnier dominated the Elite Women's Downhill race, smashing her nearest rival by an impressive seven seconds. The result in the 2007 World Cup opener reinforces the World Champion's position at the top of women's downhill, and sends a clear message to her rivals that she plans to continue said dominance in 2007.

"To win here, in the first test, is the best way to begin the World Cup," stated Jonnier. "Therefore I am happy, very happy."

...came crashing down in the finals,
Photo ©: Frank Bodenmuller

Jonnier took a brutal 7.53 second victory over British rider Tracy Moseley (Kona Les Gets). The result to some may sound familiar, and with good reason. Just two years ago at the Vigo, Spain venue Jonnier performed a near mirror of the weekend's final, denying Moseley of victory at the 2005 event.

While the women's final was also affected by rain, it didn't suffer to the same extent that the Elite Men's Downhill final did. The conditions did however play a vital part in setup for the final, as Jonnier explained: "It rained at night and in the morning, making it difficult to elect the adequate wheels. For the final, I opted for using tyres for dry conditions and to pray that it didn't rain, which is what occurred"

Fellow French women Emmeline Ragot and Celine Gros finished third and fourth respectively, over two seconds behind the victor. Marielle Saner took out the fifth and final podium position in the final.

The Downhill World Cup continues with round two in Champery, Switzerland from June 9-10.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Maria Muina

Eventual winner Sabrina Jonnier (Iron Horse/Monster Energy) weaves down the mountain.
Sabrina Jonnier (Iron Horse/Monster Energy) shows off her race-winning form.
French world champion Sabrina Jonnier (Iron Horse/Monster Energy) celebrates her win in style.
The top five riders stand on the women's podium.

Images by Frank Bodenmuller/PhotoSport International

Spectators were treated to a big-air show in Vigo, Spain.
Sabrina Jonnier (Iron Horse/Monster Energy)
After being the quickest American during Saturday's semi-finals Melissa Buhl's weekend...
...came crashing down in the finals, resulting in a DNF.
Women's winner Jonnier takes a visit to the on-site doctor.

Results

1 Sabrina Jonnier (Fra) Iron Horse / Monster Energy       2.52.07
2 Tracy Moseley (GBr) Kona Les Gets                          7.53
3 Emmeline Ragot (Fra)                                       9.56
4 Celine Gros (Fra)                                         13.54
5 Marielle Saner (Swi) Bikepark.Ch Tui                      14.00
6 Fionn Griffiths (GBr)                                     14.02
7 Jennifer Makgill (NZl) Ssangyong-Fusion Pro Team          15.59
8 Tracey Hannah (Aus)                                       16.02
9 Scarlett Hagen (NZl)                                      20.55
10 Mio Suemasa (Jpn)                                        22.54
11 Floriane Pugin (Fra) Chatel Mountain Cycle               25.02
12 Emily Horridge (GBr) Chatel Mountain Cycle               26.57
13 Miriam Blas Otondo (Spa) Massi                           31.01
14 Daniela Bossard (Swi)                                    37.53
15 Mireia Bosca Ballester (Spa)                             38.02
16 Anita Molcik (Aut) Team Hotec / Rsp                      41.01
17 Helene Fruhwirth (Aut)                                   44.57
18 Aurea Agostinho (Por)                                    46.55
19 Anja Rees Jones (GBr) Stendec Racing                     47.53
20 Claire Buchar (Can)                                      48.00
21 Jaymie Mart (Bar)                                        48.53
22 Calamaty Jayne Cann (GBr)                                49.54
23 Elisa Canepa (Ita) Playbiker - Iron Horse                55.54
24 Sue Mahony (GBr)                                         57.53
25 Diana Marggraff (Ecu)                                  1.04.55
26 Helen Gaskell (GBr)                                    1.13.59
27 Maria Michalogianneki (Gre)                            1.18.02
DNF Melissa Buhl (USA)