<\/p>\n
Whistler\u2019s World Cup debut delivered high-drama all weekend. On Sunday, that started with a series of career-best performances from the Canadian juniors on one of the circuits most challenging tracks. On a day where few riders managed clean runs, putting in a good result required skill and mental persistence.<\/p>\n
Tayte Proulx-Royds and Ryder Wilson lead the Canadian results, both finishing within sight of the podium in fourth.<\/p>\n
Canada had five riders make it through qualifying to the junior men\u2019s finals. Whistler local Jack McCredie set the fastest time in qualifying, but it was Ryder Wilson putting in the top result. The Team High Country rider was on a heater until a crash in the final woods set him back. Even after going down, Wilson would end up fourth in the junior men\u2019s race.<\/p>\n
\u201cI gave it everything I had. I love this track and I felt really good all week, just building consistently. That run was no different,\u201d Wilson explained. \u201cI was hitting everything I wanted to, I just a got a bit off line in the last sector, panicked a bid and just laid \u2018er over. I got back up absolutely as quick as I could, I knew I was on a good one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilson said the final woods were underrated, compared to the more spectacular rock garden and big drops.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the last section is the hardest. You\u2019re so gassed and you kind of take that section for granted. But there\u2019s a few sniper roots that will get you off balance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fourth in a World Cup is a big result, even if more was within sight.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m pretty disappointed, but I can\u2019t be too disappointed,\u201d Wilson says. \u201cIt\u2019s a career-best with a crash.\u201d<\/p>\n
And at home in Canada, no less.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe atmosphere here is unbelievable,\u201d Wilson says. \u201cHearing my name the whole way down that run, all the chainsaws. It was ear piercing, but in the best way. \u201d<\/p>\n