Monster Army's Matthew Sterling Takes First and Monster Energy's Mitch Ropelato Takes Second in Dual Slalom at Crankworx in Innsbruck, Austria
Gaining experience in this discipline is very key as it’s not only physically demanding, but also a huge mental game. Having a BMX background helps a lot with gates and mentality, but I never thought I had what it took to win in the pro class. Matthew Sterling
INNSBRUCK, Austria (PRWEB) June 18, 2019
Monster Energy riders took the top two spots at this weekend in the Crankworx Dual Slalom event in Innsbruck, Austria. Monster Army’s Matthew Sterling (USA) took his first pro podium spot landing in first place. Unfortunately, Monster Energy’s Mitch Ropelato (USA) crashed in both his heats in the finals, but still managed to take second place.
For the first time Dual Slalom made its debut at Crankworx Innsbruck where racers faced a short and fast course with two 180 berms, a rhythm section, a couple of fast left and rights, and finished with classic flat grass turns.
The dual slalom track in Innsbruck was short and sweet, only about 18 seconds long with one jump and a few back-to-back S berms. Racing was fast and furious with riders blasting through corners faster than they were able to process what was happening in the next lane. As soon as they made it past the last set of berms, it was head to head in a good old-fashioned flat, grassy gate bashing session. With the ground hard and dry, it was surprisingly slippery and more than one big name was taken out on the dry grass, including Ropelato.
Sterling raced smart all day, pushing where he could and not making any mistakes despite his young age and lack of slalom experience.
“I wanted to race pro just to push myself and get better, in preparation for my future when I’m a bit older!” said Sterling. “Gaining experience in this discipline is very key as it’s not only physically demanding, but also a huge mental game. Having a BMX background helps a lot with gates and mentality, but I never thought I had what it took to win in the pro class. My afternoon of racing was awesome! All I can say is that I’m happy with the effort and the result!”
The last round of the Crankworx Slalom World Tour will take place in mid August with the final stop in Whistler, Canada.
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For more on Sterling, Ropelato and the rest of the Monster Energy team visit monsterarmy.com and monsterenergy.com and make sure to follow Monster Energy’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for exclusive updates.
About Monster Energy: Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer and distributor of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at http://www.monsterenergy.com.
