Dozens of riders soared across the intimidating jumps of Crabapple Hits on Wednesday afternoon, delighting thousands of fans at the 2023 Official Whip-off World Championships in Whistler. Vinny Armstrong, an established Kiwi presence on the women's mountain bike scene, came away with her third straight Whip-off gold medal, but she was joined atop the podium by a newcomer on the men's side: Eddie Reynolds of the United States.
Robin Goomes and Brooke Anderson joined Armstrong in the ladies' top three, while Georgia Astle settled for fourth after a silver medal in Tuesday's air DH.
Armstrong has a reputation for high-flying antics, having also prevailed in the Whip-off at Rotorua and Innsbruck. Even so, she felt that she had some difficulty on course this time around.
"I was so surprised," the New Zealander said of her victory. "I felt like I was struggling a bit today, with, like, the wind. I don't know. I'm really surprised, and I'm also really stoked because it's sick."
Goomes, another Kiwi, is likewise over the moon after her first proper Whip-off in Whistler. "It's the OG," she remarked. "It's where Crankworx began, and it's a bit of history just being here."
From SoCal to the Sea to Sky
Reynolds has only been competing at a high level for a season or two, but the California native oozes natural talent, which he drew upon to best a pair of Canadians: runner-up Hayden Zablotny and bronze medallist Evan Robinson. Because he's just 17 years old, event organizers gave Reynolds and the likewise-underage Anderson bottles of apple juice for the celebratory champagne shower.
"Definitely executed my plan," said Reynolds. "My approach was just to have as much fun as I can, and I got that done."
The Whip-off holds a unique place in the hearts of most athletes for it's laid-back and non-competitive nature. Although medals are at stake, riders are less concerned with their final placings than they are with enjoying an afternoon of eye-popping jumps and daring aerial maneuvers.
"It's the best event ever," Armstrong opined. "It's so fun because it doesn't feel like a competition at all. It just feels like you're having the sickest time with all your mates."
Reynolds concurs. "Of course, I'm so happy to get the win, but I'm most stoked about coming out here with all the boys, riding and having fun doing trains," he said. "You've got everyone out here, all ages, and the women's field was absolutely killing it too, so everyone can have fun. This is my second or third Crankworx event. I love this stuff."
Stay tuned to Pique Newsmagazine for more Crankworx Whistler material.
