Sam Blenkinsop Finishes Season 2009 With a 2nd In Schladming
25.9.2009
Team Yeti Fox Shox Factory rider Sam Belinkinsop had his best result of the year here at the World Cup finals on a race track that he simply loves to get loose on. All through the week in training "Blinky" was letting in rip but when it came down to business in the finals, it was all about maximum speed and keeping the lines clean.
After qualifying 5th, Sam was keen to go faster and move closer to the win. In winning here last year it was clear he'd be one of the favorites, and like last year, there was another tactical battle going on around him for the overall win, between Sam Hill (AUS) and Greg Minnaar (RSA).
On race day though Blinky did manage to step it up and have another superb run. Only Sam Hill, the winner here on three previous occasions, could unseat Blinky from the hotseat. With his great results in Schladming, and his 3rd place on the endurance course of Fort William, he has proven that he is capable of doing well on all types of tracks, and has matured as a World Cup rider. His past 2 seasons on the Yeti Fox Shox Factory Team have been his best, and he has become one of the world's best World Cup racers.
Sam said from the hotseat: "I'm pretty happy with that run. I kept it clean and fast. Had a couple of bobbles and maybe could have shaved another half second off, but that was as close to it as I could get today. Maybe a little conservative at the top, but I'm happy to be sure of a podium and get some good points".
Sam finished 7th in the overall standings and his results helped his team finish 3rd in the team rankings or the season.
Men's Results:
1. Sam Hill (AUS) – 4m 01.10secs
2. Sam Blenkinsop (Yeti Fox Shox Factory Team) – 4m 03.43secs
3. Greg Minnaar (RSA) – 4m 04.71secs
4. Aaron Gwin (Yeti Fox Shox Factory Team) – 4m 08.07secs
5. Brendan Fairclough (GBR) – 4m 08.93secs