Welcome to Revolution Bike Park. Things are done a little differently here.
As riders cautiously scoped the track during their first practice run today, it was made clear that the course was taking no prisoners and should not be taken lightly. Consisting largely of a gully cut into the floor of a dense forest, the track changes from a steep switchback filled tech-fest at the top to a fast, flowing series of berms at the bottom - all while remaining consistently rooty and slippery to keep riders on their toes. Unlike many National and World Cup level tracks of late, the reception to the Welsh course was almost universally positive, providing a refreshing change to those craving "proper" downhill courses that require technique and poise to conquer. To add to the buzz surrounding the track, the uplift was working efficiently and without hiccup, another novelty for British National regulars. Even the weather is looking positive for race day. Here is a glimpse at what happened during practice.
The course start is a short walk from the uplift drop off point into the dark forest.
With the success of Lenzerheide keeping spirits high, Danny Hart is searching for every advantage on track and showing some serious speed in practice.
Matt Walker following teammate Marc Beaumont down a tight, root-infested gully.
For some, Saturday was as much a day to ride with mates as it was race practice. Craig Evans leading Josh Bryceland through the trees.
Peaty showing who's boss by looking the best in every photo spot on track.
Greg Williamson is having a fantastic season and continues to look aggressive and controlled on track. The efficient uplift meant lots of runs were completed early in the day, and allowed him to take a walk up the track during the last hour of practice to eye up the competition.
Gee Atherton struggled to get to grips with the Lenzerheide World Cup track, where riding on the knife edge of control is where time is found. He is having no such problems in the Welsh forest at Revolution and set a high pace on track.
Tahnee Seagrave has been consistently stepping up her riding in recent races, and having just come back from injury put in a performance good enough for second at Lenzerheide - and by a small margin too. She will be battling with Rachel and Manon for the win this weekend.
Matt Walker, confident as ever, will be hunting for the win in Juniors. Controversially the tape next to this drop was narrowed during practice to leave the straight but steep drop or a slow outside berm.
Dropping straight into a steep gully meant the berm at the bottom got some abuse.
Aiming to back up his three consecutive junior wins, Laurie Greenland looks to be on form for a good result in Elite this year.
This is the terrain at Revolution - small shiny rocks and plenty of embedded roots.
The nature of the narrow gully that makes up the majority of the track means that a loss of balance could very quickly result in a crash.
This course suits someone riding with a loose style and who isn't afraid to pick some sketchy lines. There is no better man to demonstrate this than Josh Bryceland, who looked to be completely at home on the slippery track.
Sam Dale's current World Cup season hasn't been his best, but he is here to make his mark on UK soil.
Taylor Vernon looks to have adapted very quickly to the conditions and was one of the first to take some steep inside lines near the top of the track.
With Tahnee Seagrave closing the gap on Rachel Atherton's dominance at Lenzerheide, she is riding with a point to prove on home turf. Riding the steep drop with more poise than most of the men's field, she will be hard to beat on race day.
Constant drizzle all day meant the track was always slightly moist.
Welshman Emyr Davies loves the technical, steep top section and held some serious speed into the corners. One to watch tomorrow for sure.
With some top 5 results already under his belt this year, Adam Brayton is on the hunt for more results.
Phil Atwill is another rider who loves the loose nature of the surface. This is a real opportunity for Phil to show he has the raw speed to match his insane bike handling skills.
Did I mention the terrain was unforgiving?
Manon Carpenter has been battling closely with Rachel and Tahnee for the top spot in the Women's field for a while, and it is anyone's guess who will claim victory tomorrow.
Scott Mears got through a lot of runs, clearly enjoying the track and showing style wherever possible. Another serious talent that has the potential for a great result on this track.
Keeping the midges away and the mechanics warm - how cool is this?
Don't adjust your set - race day coverage to follow tomorrow!
MENTIONS: @danhearn
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Member since Feb 24, 2016
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dv56 0.041924
The event team behind the UK one have no social media status, riders don't seem to be posting, either that is a media blackout or they are not bothered
Why do these national champs seem so secretive?
Dan, might I ask what lenses you shoot with?
I'd read it for sure.
Doubtful.
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