Chausson

Just as the sun was setting on Monterey, Saturday's action was rounded out with a victorious dual slalom debut by World Champion downhiller Anne-Caroline Chausson (FRA, Volvo-Cannondale) and a winning performance by World Cup champ Wade Bootes (AUS, Trek-Volkswagen).

Bootes took his first big win since last season's Bromont Dual event, beating Brian Lopes (USA, Volvo-Cannondale) in the final of the two-heat format. Bootes methodically worked his way up the ranks, beating Lopes in the scorching final run.

"Dual specialists can't be happy about having Chausson — a former BMX champion — racing dual this season..."

Chausson, who hasn't raced a dual event in recent memory but expressed interest in it this winter, took advantage of the relaxed atmosphere, put the pedal to the metal, and came up a winner, as usual.

Dual specialists can't be happy about having Chausson — a former BMX champion — racing dual this season, but we doubt she'll do it on the World Cup circuit.

	Bootes

Chausson beat rival Leigh Donovan (USA, Schwinn-Toyota) in the best of two final runs. Chausson worked the S-turns with authority, actually looking a lot like Brian Lopes (USA, Volvo-Cannondale) in both style and attire (goofy black helmet).

Immediately following the dual slalom was a big air contest, sponsored by Manitou, featuring huge jumps by top pros and wanna-be pros alike. But it was nearly dark and we were on deadline during the jumps, so just take our word that it was epic.

— Ari Cheren, psyching himself up for the next big air, for MountainZone.com