Photo: Sven Martin \/ Kathy Sessler \/ Syndicate<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been 9 years, in 2003\u2026 So flip man, I am over the moon,\u201d said an ecstatic Minnaar. \u201cI\u2019ve come so close to this on many occasions, and came into this race thinking that I am trying too hard to go for it. Although I have got great results and a lot of silver and bronzes, I needed to just get back to the basics of why we race, and that is to have fun.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I\u2019ve got to be honest, that final was a lot of pain and intense concentration but when you get to the bottom of a run like that you\u2019re just stoked you\u2019re alive really.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: Sven Martin \/ Kathy Sessler \/ Syndicate<\/em><\/p>\n Sunny skies greeted the riders on race day, after they had set their timed qualifying runs in the worst possible muddy conditions on the track the day before. During Minnaar\u2019s run, the most consistent podium finisher in downhill racing was consistently half a second up at the first and second splits, and he did not disappoint, crossing the line in gold medal position and sending the crowd into hysteria!<\/p>\n When main rival, American Aaron Gwin suffered mechanical issues, Greg was the first to offer his commiserations before graciously accepting the World Title.<\/p>\n Photo: Sven Martin \/ Kathy Sessler \/ Syndicate<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThis was a team effort,\u201d said an elated Minnaar afterwards. \u201cFrom Marshy (mechanic) to Roskopp (team owner) and everyone in between, thank you! I\u2019m honoured you have supported me on climbing to the top of the podium and receiving Gold on behalf of you all. I’ll put that jersey on with pride next week in Norway, and in 2013 I will do my best to reverse the curse of the World Champion\u2019s Jersey!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe podium was a tearjerker!\u201d exclaimed Team Manager Kathy Sessler. \u201cGreg was beaming, and tears welled up in his eyes. He proudly accepted his medal and while the South African national anthem played tears rolled down my face.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Greg_Minnaar_DHI_WChamp_1_450.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-64388400-1347002861.jpg\")
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