I had never been to a World Championship before the 2001 event in Vail, Colorado. I had gone to the World Cup the year before, but didn't know anything about what was going on. Returning
for the World Champs changed my perspective on what these racers could do and Greg Minnaar was the keystone of that change. Greg turned
a gnarly rock slab obstacle into a launch ramp for a 25 foot stepdown gap. I couldn't believe it. I still can't.
Here's what Greg has to say about the booter, with video of it at the bottom of the page. INSANE! -gordo
Litter: Set the stage for all the viewers out there Greg Minnaar: We were in Vail for the Worlds of 2001, which were a bit freaky because of September 11 - they had a weird atmosphere. It was hard to stay fully focused with everything that was going on in the news. This was my second World Champiionships as an Elite, and up to this point I had never won a medal at Worlds, in juniors or elite. It was my first year with Global Racing and my second year in a row on an Orange bike. I was 19 at the time.
Litter: Did you race the Vail World Cup in 2000, the year before? Greg Minnaar: Yip. Actually that was my first ever World Cup podium, I finished 5th in the DH, and was riding for the Animal/Orange team.
Litter: Did you do this gap that year? Greg Minnaar: No, but I did have a look at it. A couple guys were also having a look when I was. They both said it was impossible to gap but knew it could be done.
Litter: Why would you even think about gapping this? Was it for fun or speed? Be honest. Greg Minnaar: Yea for the fun. You have to have fun racing.
Litter: You were the only to do this, right? Greg Minnaar: I don't know for sure. The photographers there told me that, but I can't be sure.
Litter: How did your first attempt go? Greg Minnaar: I pretty much got it the first time. I was definitely scared...that's what made it even more fun.
Litter: What was the hardest part about the gap? It looks so hectic on the approach. You're bouncing around and basically bump-jumping the slab! Greg Minnaar: Probably just getting the run-up speed right, so you didn't come up short. It didn't really bother too much, the run up...it looks a bit more hectic than it felt.
Litter: Do you remember nodding to the crowd during your seeding run? You can see this in one of the clips. Greg Minnaar: I don't really remember stuff like that, it's hard to know from that video if I was nodding to them or my head was just bouncing around from the landing! I do remember that the crowd was getting into it each time I came down, so I probably said thanks.
Litter: How often is your name mis-spelled? Greg Minnaar: Nearly every time.
Litter: Has it ever been spelled "Greg Mignnaarl" ? Greg Minnaar: Nope, that would be a first
