I didn't check the livestream this year, but split 1 is usually after the pinball section, which is quite technical.
But you're right, there is quite a lot of pedalling in sector 1 so it's not so surprising after all to see a powerful dude get it

A few interesting facts I like to nerd about:
- This is Minnaar's first world cup win in 3 years. His last win was at the 2012 season opener in Pietermaritzburg.
- Martin Maes' qualifying speedtrap was by far the fastest of the day (all categories combined), with a whopping 66kph. In case you're still doubting his massive balls an skillset, the speedtrap is located right before an enormous wide berm which must have been covered in mud.
- The men's qualifying and finals fastest first splits were achieved by respectively Sam Dale and Matt Simmonds, 2 of the biggest guys on the circuit. Pretty interesting, considering most of the time, the fastest at split 1 is a smaller, uber-talented guy (guys like Danny Hart, Sam Hill, Troy,...). You'd expect the rain to only make it worst for heavier riders.
- Steve Smith's comeback from injury wasn't as flamboyant as most of us had hoped, with a 25th place. Not quite as good as last year's comeback (on the same track), which was a 6th place. We all know Stevie can handle a bit of rain, being from BC, and having won his first world cup on a muddy Hafjell track. Which makes me wonder: is he still not quite physically ready or did he just have to dust off the racing cobwebs?
More facts to come when my boss isn't around.

Yeah, 1min penalty on stage 1

If you're still struggling to climb with a 40t or 42t, get a damn 2x, you chain slapping hipster