Crystal paid off in the form of a top-notch event filled with spills and thrills as the biggest crowds of the weekend lined the gates, shouted for swag, and cheered the pros as they rocked out some fabulous runs.

The dual slalom was easily top on the list for spectators here at Crystal Mountain, Washington, on Saturday, and the race promoters did not fail to set up a spectacular course. Compared to the relatively tame Deer Valley course, many of the pros commented on just how rad Crystal's dual run was.

"They put some time into this course, this is a good course," said Ryan White (USA, Giant). White, at 19, is new to the pro circuit, but is already fully sponsored by Team Giant. Keep an eye out.

The format of the dual definitely turns out some strange results; oftentimes, a run is either predetermined simply by known talent, or is rendered inconsequential due to the staggered elimination process. For the guys, this would mean a race in which Lopes could sit back and cruise halfway through a heat due to the size of the lead he'd built over a less threatening pro, or that a couple of riders on a consolation run would cruise through the rhythm section on just the rear wheel, or pull a 360º off the finish jump. A very cool range of racing styles and attitudes.

The story of the day belongs to Flyin' Brian Lopes, who hammered the nearest competitors to take 1st with his staggering speed and power — while occasionally vomiting, and crossing the line looking sick, sick, sick. If he can win like that on a sick day...the man redefines ill. Damn.

There was plenty of action for the 2nd and 3rd lots to boot, or should I say Bootes, as in Trek/Volkswagen's Wade Bootes' battle with Haro's Mike King. King put in a powerful ride, but lost it by a bit in the end, attributed to an oversight: "I made a mental mistake with Bootes," said a fairly positive King. "I underestimated him in the last run, I should've gone harder 'cause I had him earlier."

Given the way he'd been sweeping that course, I could almost go for it. The man has talent. Which is definitely no slag on Bootes, who earned his second spot by going hard to the end, all the while flying his World Championship rainbow jersey. Tomac's Rich Houseman brought up fourth with a solid set of rides.

Katrina Miller took 1st with a series of spectacular runs that culminated in a battle for the top spot with Cheri Elliot. Elliot could not compete, and squeaked a 2nd out of the event. Elke Brutsaert went for 3rd, and took the spot from an aggressively riding Tai-Lee Muxlow. Elke had to work a little harder than usual, as a crash in the first elimination round (against Maxxis rider April Lawyer, who eventually went on to take 12th) automatically put her down 1.5 seconds. Tai Lee, though ending up 4th overall, put in a great couple of runs, replete with some serious jumping ability. She is definitely one to watch, and is also a part of the growing Aussie/New Zealander menace.

Notably absent, and definitely missed was Foes/Azonic star Missy Giove, who initially registered as a no-show. Turns out she'd injured an ankle earlier in the day (no doubt on the seriously vicious downhill course) and wants to save what she has for Sunday's Pro DH.

— Michael Wolfson, for MountainZone.com