(Whistler, British Columbia) – Specialized Team America kicked off Crankworx with a bang as Kyle Strait took the win in the dual slalom event with teammates Neko Mulally and Cody Warren finishing in 4^th and 5^th respectively. The strong finish for the team came after an impressive qualifying round that saw the crew in 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th.

With crowds lining the course from top to bottom the amazing Crankworx energy filled the Whistler mountainside fueling the intense competition throughout the afternoon. Cody Warren and Kyle Strait would make their way through the brackets only to once again go head to head in the round of 8 in what would be a “Sea Otter Rematch”. Both teammates put down incredible runs but in the end it was Strait who would advance to the round of 4.

Incredibly, junior Neko Mulally, the 16-year-old pro from Reading, Pennsylvania would exceed his own personal goal of the round of 16 to make it all the way to the round of 4. It was in the round of 4 that Neko would go up against living legend Brian Lopes beating him in his first run only to be beat out by fractions of a second in their second run.

With Neko moving on to the consolation round it would be Lopes and Strait in the finals. Strait, who grew up admiring Lopes, finally had the opportunity to challenge a long time personal goal of his, beating Brian Lopes in dual slalom. After two incredible runs, Strait would achieve his goal taking the win in front of the huge crowd and tons of his friends. “Beating Lopes has been a personal goal of mine since I was a kid” said Kyle, “I just went out there and tried not too think too much, had a bunch of fun, and in the end it worked out in my favor.”

Kyle and the rest of the Specialized Team America crew will continue to pursue victories throughout the week as they prepare to compete in the Canadian Open DH and Giant Slalom.

For more information regarding Specialized Team America please Contact Doug Smith, dsmith@threesixtyllc.com.

source: Doug Smith