Plus, a look at Caronline Buchanan's pump track victory, and Vinny Armstrong's winning whip
Emil Johansson is a mountain biking cheat code.
For more than three years, the still VERY young 23-year-old Swede has dominated the Crankworx Slopestyle circuit with unparalleled flare and technicality. At Red Bull Joyride in Whistler on Saturday, he did the unthinkable and won his eighth Crankworx title in a row, scoring a 94.60 to edge out Timothe Bringer (91.00) and Tomas Lemoine (90.00).
The atmosphere at the first Red Bull Joyride in three years was unforgettable. Coincidentally, Joyride 2019 is precisely where Johansson’s mind-blowing streak began. Below, watch him wow in Whistler once more, and check out photos from an awe-inspiring day:
Johansson rolled up to Whistler on a fresh pink custom Trek Ticket S that he affectionately dubbed “everyone’s new favorite bike.” There’s no argument here, the bike is absolutely stunning. Check out the photos of it — and Emil! — in action, courtesy of photographer Boris Beyer:
Every Johansson run is history in the making. Be sure to catch him again at Crankworx Cairns in October, and follow him on Instagram for more competition highlights and jaw-dropping video projects.
Caroline Buchanan wins gold in new pump track format
Caroline Buchanan can do anything she wants on a mountain bike. She’s currently in the process of transforming herself into one of the best freestyle riders in the game. But at Crankworx, she proved she can still play the hits, winning the pump track competition in a thrilling new format.
Instead of the traditional one-vs-one competition, pump track participants lined up four across for the finale to take on a 110-meter straight line course featuring 14 rollers and no corners off a 13-foot ramp. The elite field consisted of Buchanan, Jordy Scott, Michaela Hajkova and Kialani Hines.
Buchanan edged out Scott by just 0.179 seconds to win the gold.
“I loved it. The format and new way of racing definitely grew on me.” Buchanan said. “When I looked at it, it didn’t look too technical, but as the rounds progressed and as the speed increased for the riders, I found it more technical. One little bauble or mistake could really cost a lot by the end of the 110-meter mark.”
Check out photos of Buchanan’s week at Crankworx:
Vinny Armstrong takes Whip-Off title
Just watch Vinny Armstrong’s gold medal winning whip. No further words necessary. (Though plenty of photos just below):
