Qualifying - Leogang DH World Cup 4

Jun 14, 2014
by Nathan Hughes  
Shots from Qualifying at Leogang.

Last week we saw a young rider with heaps of potential finally win a long overdue World Cup. Could we have a repeat this weekend with number one qualifier Loic Bruni It s only a matter of time.

Loic Bruni took his first podium here last year. He qualified first today. Can Loic take his first World Cup win here tomorrow He was .415 seconds up on Aaron Gwin. If he does it could be a real close one.
  Last week we saw a young rider with heaps of potential finally win a long overdue World Cup. Could we have a repeat this weekend with today's number one qualifier Loic Bruni and the 4th winner in 4 World cups? Bruni took his first podium here last year. This afternoon he qualified +0.415 seconds up on Aaron Gwin. If he does it, it's gonna be a real close one.

Shots from Qualifying at Leogang.

Shaun Palmer time traveled from his Specialized Mt. Dew days to dominate the 4x World Champs.
  Shaun Palmer time traveled from his Specialized-Mt. Dew days to dominate the 4x World Champs and watch a bit of the DH. Here's what he had to say on today's action...

bigquotesYeah I dunno man... I just feel like with the right black tee and a good set of jeans I could totally beat these guys. If I wanted to - Real Shaun Palmer


With final preparations complete the first pair on 1 plates roll out of the pits for training.
  With final preparations complete, the first pair on #1 plates roll out of the pits for training.

Sam Hill and Joe Smith taking some time on the first run to read the terrain.
  Sam Hill and Joe Smith taking some time on the first run to read the terrain.

Regardless of pedal choice Ratboy s flat pedl roots always show through. Foot out flat out and into 3rd spot.
  Regardless of pedal choice, Ratboy's flat pedal roots always show through. Foot out flat out and into 3rd spot.

It contrast to Bryceland Stevie and Gee keep things it feet up and smooth through the high speed off cambers.
  It contrast to Bryceland, Stevie and Gee keep things it feet up and smooth through the high speed off cambers.

Ratboy was second up at the first split and only .8 seconds back from Bruni. Although Loic is on his way to a first win Ratboy along with many others are putting down some tight times proving that almost anything could happen tomorrow.
  Ratboy was second up at the first split and only .8 seconds back from Bruni. Although Loic is on his way to a first win, Ratboy along with many others are putting down some tight times proving that almost anything could happen tomorrow.

With Women s practice early in the morning a proper warm up and stretchng routine is key before trying to pin it down the track.
  With Women's practice early in the morning, a proper warm up and stretchng routine is key before trying to pin it down the track.

Mark Beaumont about to get tunnel vision near the top of the track. When he pops out on the other side things go from man made to steep off camber and rough.
  Mark Beaumont about to get that tunnel vision near the top of the track. When he pops out on the other side things go from man-made to steep, off-camber, and rough.

Andrew Neethling had a solid run today qualifying fourth. Could tomorrow be the South Africans first podium of the season
  Andrew Neethling had a solid run today, qualifying fourth. Could tomorrow be the Somerset West local's first podium since Norway last year?

bigquotesQuali went to plan. I wanted to be safe in a few areas as I'm not protected . I haven't had much luck lately, with a couple of mechanicals but it's really nice to get back up there and show you can be right there if all goes well. I feel like I've got some more; I know tomorrow the pace is going to be really hard, but I'm gonna go for it, why not - Andrew Neethling - Giant Factory Racing


Guten Morgen
  Guten Morgen!

On the edge--Marcelo Gutierrez squeaking past the padding on the exit to the rock garden. It s still amazing to see the level the young Columbian has risen to given the proper level of support.
  On the edge--Marcelo Gutierrez squeaking past the padding on the exit to the rock garden. It's still amazing to see the level the young Columbian has risen to given the proper level of support. 22nd in qualies.
Danny Hart rounding up the top ten men today and showing incredible style all the way down.
  Teammate, Danny Hart, rounding up the top ten men today and showing incredible style all the way down.

Where there s smoke there s fire. The mountain tops looked ominous today perhaps a omen of the gathering storm that will hit tomorrow during race time. This one may just be to close to call at this point.
  Where there's smoke, there's fire. The mountain tops looked ominous today, perhaps a omen of the gathering storm that will hit tomorrow during race time. This one may just be to close to call at this point.

Jill Kintner is making solid gains this season. She qualified sixth and has plenty in the tank to take another podium tomorrow.
  Jill Kintner is making solid gains this season. She qualified sixth, and has plenty in the tank to take another podium tomorrow.

Connor Fearon making his way up to the top realms as an 11th qualifier today and could easily be up in the top ten tomorrow.
  As predicted, Connor Fearon made his way up to the top realms with an 11th qualifier today and that could easily be up in the top ten tomorrow.

Allan Cooke from Bell Helmets brought the hot party to a World Cup near you.
  Allan Cooke from Bell Helmets brought the hot party to a World Cup near you.

Opening up the SRAM pits doesn t always mean hanging out bikes with gobs of travel and black box goodies...
  Opening up the SRAM pits doesn't always mean hanging out bikes with gobs of travel and black box goodies...

Suspension check for Slugger Beaumont with Fitzy from Fox Racing Shox...
  Suspension check for Slugger Beaumont with Fitzy from Fox Racing Shox...

Off camber on your head lander.
  Off camber on your head lander.

Tips are always appreciated in the pits...
  Tips are always appreciated in the pits...

Rachel Atherton still not back to 100 and will most likely be taking some serious down time before MSA to regain all her strength from a burdening virus.
  Rachel Atherton is still not back to 100% and will most likely be taking some serious down time before MSA to regain all her strength from a burdening virus.

Manon Carpenter with a bit of wheel deflection in the second to last rock garden on her qualie run. Carpenter continues to be the one to beat--nearly five seconds up on the next fastest racer Emmeline Ragot.
  Not that anything should be taken away from Manon Carpenter's incredible riding performance today... here with a bit of wheel-deflection in the second to last rock garden on her qualie run. Carpenter continues to be the one to beat, nearly five seconds up on the next fastest racer, Emmeline Ragot.

Shots from Qualifying at Leogang.
  Don't even think about watching on the hill tomorrow unless your chin is correctly prepared.

Joe Smith
  Not the best day for Joe Smith, but plenty of potential for another top 20 result tomorrow

This is what happens when you push a bit to hard and put a wheel just an inch wrong in the roots.
  This is what happens when you push a bit to hard and put a wheel just an inch wrong in the roots.

Peaty and Minnaar pulled over on the sweeping off camber left hander to watch a few riders come through early on in the morning. Minnaar qualified twelfth and Peaty was thirty-fifth.
  Peaty and Minnaar pulled over on the sweeping off camber left hander to watch a few riders come through early on in the morning. Minnaar qualified twelfth and Peaty was back in thirty-fifth.

Always a threat regardless of track or weather conditions don t count Greg Minnaar out. Ever.
  Always a threat regardless of track or weather conditions, don't count Greg Minnaar out. Ever.

Greg Minnaar sizing up a new set of kicks...
  Especially when he has a fresh set of kicks...Greg sat out last year's race with his knee injury, but took the champs win of 2012.

Can Taylor Vernon return to his form from last season We sure hope so. With so much talent at the front of the Jr. field everyone needs to be on their A Game if they want a spot on the podium.
  Can Taylor Vernon return to his form from last season? We sure hope so. With so much talent at the front of the Jr. field everyone needs to be on their A Game if they want a spot on the podium.

Slick off cambers muddy woods and long smooth bits make tire choice extremey important here and snipped rubber was a common sight in the pits.
  Slick off cambers, muddy woods, and long smooth bits make tire choice extremey important here and snipped rubber was a common sight in the pits.

Shots from Qualifying at Leogang.
  Hey no skidding! A rare patch of Leogang loam nears extinction..

Leogang gets a bad wrap for being a bit bike parkish but make no mistake. The re are some pretty raw and technical sections in the woods here.
  Leogang gets a bad wrap for being a bit "bike parkish" but make no mistake. There are some pretty raw and technical sections in the woods here.

Two of the fastest riders in the world and two totally different styles. Brook bulldogs his way around the rough outside while Sam Hill exploits his ninja line far to the inside of everyone else.
  Two of the fastest riders in the world and two totally different styles. Brook bulldogs his way around the rough outside, while Sam Hill exploits his ninja line far to the inside of everyone else.

Shots from Qualifying at Leogang.
  Poor Tahnee's been really under the weather. She developed a huge nose bleed after her run today and thinks it was only adrenaline that let her keep hold of the bars. After the puncture disaster at Fort Bill and a fifth qualifier today we will be rooting for the most French English person on the hill.

Pom Pon on her way to a fourth place quailie run today. She had a slower top section of the track and picked up steam on the lower technical half.
  Pom Pon on her way to a fourth place quailie run today. She had a slower top section of the track and picked up steam on the lower technical half.

Nipple man and his pink back pack of power with the beer guzzle wall ride. Track side was busy with plenty of rowdy spectators for qualies. Tomorrow should be quite the show.
  Nipple man and his pink back pack of power with the beer guzzle wall ride. Track side was busy with plenty of rowdy spectators for qualies. Tomorrow should be quite the show.

Rachel ATherton is wearing that rainbow jersey for a reason and you can bet she will dig a bit deeper to pull back time tomorrow.
  Rachel Atherton is wearing that rainbow jersey for a reason, and you can bet she will dig a bit deeper to pull back time tomorrow.

This is not a track that Emmeline Ragot counts as one of her favorites but she s not going to let that fact hold her back here in Leogang. Look for Ragot to be full gas for tomorrow in an effort to claw her way to the top step.
  This is not a track that Emmeline Ragot counts as one of her favorites, but she's not going to let that fact hold her back here in Leogang. Look for Ragot to be full gas for tomorrow in an effort to claw her way to the top step.

Manon Carpenter has been in a league of her own in practice. Visibly faster than many of the men in spots it s no surprise to see her way out fron in qualifying.
  Manon Carpenter has been in a league of her own in practice. Visibly faster than many of the men in spots it's no surprise to see her way out front in qualifying.

Richard Cunningham met the wrong end of a clothes lined tree in Fort William. Manage to get a way squeaky clean without a broken nose or any missing teeth.
  Richard Cunningham met the wrong end of a clothes lined tree in Fort William. Manage to get a way squeaky clean without a broken nose or any missing teeth.

Loris Vergier and Luca Shaw are locked in a heated battle for the overall. Both riders had some hard luck at Fort William last weekend and will be going out guns blazing tomorrow. Vergier qualified second today.
  Loris and Luca are locked in a heated battle for the overall. Both riders had some hard luck at Fort William last weekend and will be going out guns blazing tomorrow. Vergier qualified second today.

Luca Shaw is on a tear this year in what is easily the most competitive Jr. field we have ever seen.
  Luca Shaw is on a tear this year in what is easily the most competitive Jr. field we have ever seen.

Luca Shaw was a man on a mission today. He qualified first 1.753 seconds up on Loris Vergier. Luca is hungry for another podium especially after his off during his race run in Fort William.
  Shaw was a man on a mission today qualifying first, 1.753 seconds up on Loris Vergier. Luca is hungry for another podium, especially after his off during his race run in Fort William.

Bulldog s back on pace but can he hold the form The Kiwi came in 3.547 to Bruni but solidly in the top ten.
  Bulldog's back on pace, but can he hold the form? The Kiwi came in +3.547 to Bruni but solidly in the top ten.

Shots from Qualifying at Leogang.
  Sam Blenkinsop's season: 6th...6th...79th. He needs a good one here and he has the added incentive of sparring with his top qualifying teammate.

Shots from Qualifying at Leogang.
  Fire in the hole... All riders below now have a maximum of 3 minutes 20 seconds to get out of the way

Loic Bruni took his first podium here last year and could be continuing the first wins of young guns streak.
  Loic Bruni took his first podium here last year and could be continuing the first wins of young guns streak.

Team Specialized unloading the gondola for a their last practice runs before qualifying. These final runs are critical for making certain that the weather hasn t made any major changes to the track and to confirm that the riders have all the details sorted before the clock starts ticking.
  Team Specialized unloading the gondola for a their last practice runs before qualifying. These final runs are critical for making certain that the weather hasn't made any major changes to the track and to confirm that the riders have all the details sorted before the clock starts ticking.

Shots from Qualifying at Leogang.
  6th place for Troy will have taken off some of the expectation for tomorrow which could work in his favor.

Aaron Gwin qualified second to Loic Bruni today. Gwin was first at both the first and second splits but Bruni caught him on the bottom section.
  Aaron Gwin may have qualified second to Loic Bruni today, but was first at both the first and second splits... Bruni caught him on the bottom section.

With his teammate right on his heals this year Aaron Gwin has been full gas all weekend to be sure that 1 plate remains on the front of his bike.
  With his teammate right on his heals this year, Gwin has been full gas all weekend to be sure that #1 plate remains on the front of his bike.

Shots from Qualifying at Leogang.
  Gwin looking and riding like some kind of two wheeled ninja sniper. He came through the wall-ride section like a hurricane and nearly collapsed the woodwork before anyone else got their turn. Probably worth ensuring your broadband connection is in tiptop shape ready for tomorrow.

The rains that never came. Clouds loomed large over the range all day threatening to let loose upon us again. Lucky for us the rain never materialized.
  The rains that never came. Deadly clouds loomed large over the range all day threatening to let loose upon us again, but it never did materialize. Heavy influence from the weather is about the only way this race will get opened up and we can talk in full seconds instead of tenths. Loic has it all to do again tomorrow, this is still anyone's race.


Author Info:
nathanhughes avatar

Member since Jul 19, 2007
313 articles

38 Comments
  • 109 0
 As always team Pink Bike, stunning pictures and updates... A HUGE thank you..
  • 6 0
 I couldn't agree more,these guys are encouraging me to pick up my dslr again after neglecting it for almost 3 years.top work guys.
  • 2 0
 Funny you say that, I took it out the other day, have not been taking it like I used to, and well worth it as always....
  • 2 0
 Love the coverage of the world cup. Props to pinkbike!!

If someone apart from gwin/brosnan/atherton takes the win, it will be 4 racers. 4 winners.
would love to see that happen!
  • 26 0
 Nipple Man!
  • 4 3
 is there going to be a live feed?
  • 31 0
 ...of Nipple man?
  • 2 0
 Only if he managed to go to the top 30 qualifiers...
  • 7 0
 This is shaping up to be such an epic world cup season! So many riders on pace, so many contenders. Dunno who to root for anymore! Except, go bulldog and Blenki!
  • 2 0
 yea bro ! yeeewww
  • 5 0
 Just told my supervisor I'm going to be tired tomorrow. Can't not stay up and watch it.
  • 1 0
 I'll be home from dog shift at 8 am. ..All set for the replay....
  • 3 0
 First alarm set for 12.30am. Work alarm goes at 5am. Yep be a long Monday but worth it.
  • 1 0
 Just finishing work now, home for a quick sleep, up to watch race then back up at 4. I think I'll be on the redbull diet tomorrow
  • 7 3
 Gwin for the win! Troy in second. Mitch top 10. Team specialized all the way!
  • 7 2
 Gwinner!!!!!!
  • 5 2
 Hope Sam Hill can pull out something top 5 would be great :-)

1gwin
2smith
3gee
4rat
5hill
  • 3 0
 Loic's style is soooo similar to Voulliouz - Fantastic pics
  • 3 0
 So stoked to see Gwin back on top. Having said that, GO BRUNI!
  • 2 0
 who doesn't want one of those nomads
  • 2 3
 me, not in that baby blue and girly pink colour scheme, neon yellow I'd defo have one
  • 4 2
 Jesus, who the hell let Palmer out of his hole?
  • 2 1
 not the real palm!
  • 4 0
 Dunno what you're talking about, he seems legit to me
  • 2 0
 Gwin for the win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 I cant watch this.. I cant grow a beard....
  • 1 0
 Blenki is sick? Gloves, long sleeves ...
  • 1 0
 When does the race start and is it on live feed
  • 2 1
 Humping cattle, must be Austria.
  • 1 0
 FIrst time i see Blenki' with gloves... wonder why
  • 1 0
 The down hill is getting faster and faster_____O^O________
  • 1 0
 Live in 4 h 30 min.
  • 1 1
 I can't see any evidence on the red bull site.
  • 2 1
 it's GWIN time
  • 1 0
 Go Loic!!!
  • 1 1
 Sick Mick with the beard there!
  • 1 1
 What time is it at?







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