Mick Hannah and the Urban City Downhill World Tour
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Here at Hutchinson UR team we believe that Urban Downhill is one on the best ways to shine the spotlight on MTB and show the world that it belongs with the best sports. This year, with the first ever world series, it's a unique opportunity to take the Urban race to the next level. For that we need heroes and we need the best downhill riders in the world to make the race as exciting as possible. That's why Mick is going to race the full series and that's why all team riders will also try to make as many races as possible during the season.
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Mick Hannah Q&A:
How do you feel about racing the full city downhill world tour?
I have always enjoyed going to the city downhill races. They're not my main focus so there is less pressure. There is also a great atmosphere with thousands of people lining the courses. I know it's a great way to bring our sport to more and more people.
What's the best part of the Urban races for you?
My favorite part of these races is the people who come out to support us. We're racing in the middle of the city where they walk to work or to the corner store every day so they are able to understand the terrain. I think that helps them to get really excited about what the riders are doing.
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How is the risk factor compared to more traditional downhill races?
The city downhills are obviously way more risky than what we usually ride. There's all sorts of metal and concrete structures that we are racing past. For me personally it is important to ride a little safer than I normally would. I think it's important to come here and put on a show, but I have to remember to be careful.
Do you think more top world cup guys should do urban races as well?
I'd love to see the top guys looking for ways that they can help the sport grow in general. I know city downhills are not traditional, but I love to ride my bike and I love to see people get excited about bike riding. Bikes are a very clean and fun way to stay healthy or have fun or for work. People ride to work or earn a living on their bikes in different ways all over the world. They are also a great way to get out and see places. I definitely think world cup downhill should stick to the forest, but I also know that there are other ways to build the image of our sport.
Which bikes and which set up have you chosen?
I am riding my regular POLYGON DHX race bike. The 3 changes I have made for this week are stiffer suspension, narrower bars to miss some of the tight handrails and more pressure in my tires.
Hutchinson UR Team
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If any of you have slick tires on MTB or urban bikes try them out of adhesion on variable surfaces. You'd be amazed how well they hook up on Dirt, Grass and different paving surfaces-so long as it isn't loose or wet. I think not optimising tires for urban landscapes is prob down to sponsor responsibilities and these races are more for fun and publicity show so the last 10th of a second is unimportant, Other thing is these are more point and shoot races, not much corner lean going on, you can really crank a Slick shod MTB over on pavement MUCH more than knobblies . I hope they work some opportunity for lean into the courses.