Mountain Running
New champions crowned at the Red Bull 400 World Championships in Whistler
In a neck-and-neck battle, local newcomer Alexandre Ricard (CAN) edged out global champion Erik Resell (NOR) by a single second
Over 800 participants came out to compete in 'the steepest race on the planet' in Whistler, BC on Saturday. Overlooking the picturesque backdrop of the Callaghan Valley, the Red Bull 400 World Championships provided one of its strongest competitor lineups to date, with elite athletes participating from Norway, Austria, Germany, Mexico, Singapore and even Japan.
Participants perform at the Redbull 400 Whistler
© Ty Holtan / Red Bull Content Pool
First time competitor Alexandre Ricard from Canada not only set a course record, but became the 2019 Red Bull 400 World Champion with a one-second lead over his competitor, finishing in 3m 29s. After shattering the Grouse Grind record earlier this year, the 25-year-old BC-native Madison Sands (CA) set a new course record in the women's division with an impressive 4m 18s ascent.
Madison Sands and Alexandre Ricard on the podium at Whistler
© Scott Serfas / Red Bull Content Pool
“I definitely did not expect to win when I came out today,” beamed Alexandre Ricard. The 30-year-old local massage therapist claims, “I had no expectations. I planned to push my hardest, and when I qualified for the finals, I summoned all the energy in my legs to carry me to the win. I’m impressed by the unique course and will definitely compete again."
Erik Resell recovers after climping 400 metres at Whistler
© Scott Serfas / Red Bull Content Pool
In the men’s race, the first man to finish a Red Bull 400 in under three minutes, Austria’s Jakob Mayer came in third with 3m 35s finish. Speed-skater and 2018 World Champion Erik Resell was devastated to lose his title by one second with a 3m 30s result.
Robyn Mildren competes at the Red Bull 400 in Whistler
© Scott Serfas / Red Bull Content Pool
In the women’s division, 2018 surprise winner Robyn Mildren came in third, beating her previous year win by three seconds with a 4m 41s finish. Local runner Brooke Spence repeated her second-place finish in 4m 30s, resulting in an all Canadian podium for the women’s solo competition.
Women's podium
© Scott Serfas / Red Bull Content Pool
With a starting point of 925m of elevation, this 400m near-vertical sprint challenged competitor’s speed, endurance and determination to the top of the breathtaking 2010 Winter Games ski jump at the Whistler Olympic Park.
Competition for 1st place at the Red Bull 400 in Whistler
© Scott Serfas / Red Bull Content Pool
With three new locations, the 2019 edition of Red Bull 400 promises to be the event’s biggest yet. Next stop is Titisee-Neustadt, Germany, with four more stops before ending the 20-city tour on the Korean Olympic grounds in PyeongChang this September.
Red Bull 400 Whistler Men's results
PLACE
NAME
TIME
1.
Alexandre Ricard/CAN
3m 29s
2.
Erik Resell/NOR
3m 30s
3.
Jakob Mayer/AUT
3m 35s
Red Bull 400 Whistler Women's results
PLACE
NAME
TIME
1.
Madison Sands/CAN
4m 18s
2.
Brooke Spence/CAN
4m 30s
3.
Robyn Mildren/CAN
4m 41s