Jakob Jewett has double-dipped at Crankworx Rotorua.
Three days after locking up downhill silver, the speedy Squamolian punched into third at the air DH race. His time of two minutes and 11.885 seconds had him breathing down runner-up Mick Hannah's neck (2:11.523) and within range of the victorious Ryan Gilchrist (2:09.682) as well.
Sea to Sky fans might remember Gilchrist's gritty dual slalom effort in Whistler last July, where he earned silver despite crashing violently in his semifinal heat against King of Crankworx Tuhoto Ariki-Pene.
"[Mick and I] really did a lot of practice together, and he taught me some of his secrets that he learned winning last year," said Gilchrist of his fellow Australian in a press release. "I am honoured, honestly. It’s Mick Hannah. You can’t say he’s not a legend."
Great Britain's Martha Gill took gold in the women's event (2:25.236), which was her very first podium in the discipline. The battle for second behind her was tight, with Shania Rawson of New Zealand (2:27.463) edging out American Kialani Hines (2:27.889).
Rawson previously finished third in downhill.
Whip-Off
Later on Wednesday, the ever-popular Whip-Off Championship took place against a stunning sunset backdrop.
Edgar Briole of France and Kiwi Vinny Armstrong each defended their titles from last year. Ben Wallace placed second to represent North Vancouver well, and Nils Heninger found himself third on home soil.
Behind Armstrong on the women's side were her fellow New Zealander Erice Van Leuven in the runner-up spot and Kirsten Van Horne of Nelson, B.C. with bronze.
"Honestly the best time of my life!" gushed Armstrong in a release. "Just riding with all my mates, riding the best jump, it’s just so good."
Qualifying runs for Saturday's Pump Track Challenge are also in the books, with Gilchrist putting himself into first. However, the next event to light up Rotorua will be Speed and Style on Friday.
Full results are available online.
