Crankworx, Whistler, BC-

Everyone was gunning for him but that may be the secret to Brian Lopes's success. After taking second in last Saturday's Dual Slalom, Lopes had something to prove and came in fast and strong to claim his position at the top with Jared Rando of Australia taking second place and Johannes Fischbach of Germany coming in third fastest overall.

"The kids are getting faster, but for me it is harder to lose than it is to pedal harder and train harder," says Lopes after his win.

American Jill Kintner easily held her own against the Pro Women's field with an aggressive and smooth approach to the winding course. She placed first, Emmeline Ragot of France took second; and Leigh Donovan of USA took third.

"I wasn't making any mistakes and I just kept it fast and smooth," says Kintner. "Events at Kokanee Crankworx set the standard and it is one of my favourite places to come and ride as well as compete." Kintner, who took bronze in BMX racing at the sport's debut at the Beijing 2008 Summer Games, also claimed first in last Saturday's Dual Slalom event; establishing her as the woman to beat today.

Shaun Palmer, multi X-Game gold medalist and DH World Cup Champion had a strong showing and was a crowd favourite, but didn't podium.

The Giant Slalom course was rebuilt this season by John Cowan and took the racers on a winding tour through the Boneyard's slopestyle features. Giant Slalom courses are longer than standard slalom courses and feature tighter corners, airs and berms.