Steve Medcroft
Steve Peat (Santa Cruz Syndicate/SRAM/Rock Shox) took the World Cup downhill in Willingen, Germany last weekend finishing just over one second faster on the cold course ahead of Greg Minnaar (Team G-Cross Honda). Gee Atherton (Team Animal/Giant) and Peat's teammate Nathan Rennie finished third and fourth respectively. With the finish, Peat moves into the lead of the UCI World Cup points series.
At first, it looked like previous series leader Sam Hill was tuned for another standout day; his 2:07.25, equaled his practice timed run. But rider after rider beat the time. Peat set the qualifying mark at 2:0244. Times improved for the final with peat managing to oust Minaar on his final run.
“I’m absolutely stoked to finally win this year," Peat said after the race. "I felt really good, and the end result showed that. I knew for the final the track had dried out and that I would have to push pretty hard and it paid off, even though I had a few sketchy moments. I’m stoked to win and get some good points.”
Tracey Moseley (Kona Les Gets) won the women's downhill. Jill Kintner and Jared Graves (Yeti Fox Racing team) won the mountain-cross competitions.
For complete Willingen World Cup results, click here.
