I don't understand why these guys are running dropper post...at their level, I would have thought they'd be standing up through ALL the pedaling sections...at least the winner will.
I think there is a little bit of evolution going on with DH right now and that flat section is evidence of it. In order for a sport like this to progress there needs to be some real competitive athleticism and by making race courses that reward BOTH skill and fitness it forces riders to bring their best game to the table on both the skill and fitness fronts.
So maybe we should require dirtbikers and nascar/racing drivers to get out and run 3 miles in the middle of the race. You know, reward athleticism and all. I personally think DH should be 95% downhill technical skill and 5% pedalling
Eh, it's just one track so I think it's completely fine to have one that has way more pedaling than others because it does show the best all-around DH racer or the one that's best at adapting to different situations. The differences between this track and Val di Sole, for example, are staggering (one extreme in cardio, the other in steep/tech) and at this level it is what is needed to really push these guys to their limits. There's no need to coddle these guys they can take it, haha. But Wil, I think some run the droppers because they don't mind the slight weight addition for the more power you get in pedaling strokes from sitting down as opposed to standing where some power would be lost in suspension travel bobbing. Personally I find that's the case in Enduro racing anyways so I can only assume.
the top athletes pedal through tons of techy stuff too! thats how you win finding those extra strokes. I believe this is the longest pedal section in the world cup this year as most other tracks are steeper throughout.
How to kill a down hill racer that is used to "shorter" races wack a mammoth 1km flat dash in the middle! and near the start that is one massive cliff they have to go down
Looks great! The pedal section seems way better then last year. Come on guys, there's nothing wrong with some pedaling to test the fitness of these riders. It is bike racing.
That was amazing. I don't think the pedaling section is a bad idea, it is a bike, it has pedals, and this way you can test the endurance of the riders. Pedaling is a big part of their training, so why not see who did their homework? I just can't wait to see Steve Peat, Cedric Gracia, Brian Lopes, just gunning it on that straight and eat up everything as they go!
Without a doubt the veterans will win this race, they have more endurance. Minnaar, Gracia, Atherton will be really tough to beat. Its not the most technical (Though that section in at the 1 min mark is really scary by my standards). Those tabletops at close to 70km/hr are ridiculous!!
Can't wait to see the Santa Cruz bikes perform with the new suspension.
Bernard Kerr is a fast rider and its looks like he is flying. Its even hard to follow up wiht your eyes where the hell he is going and the rock gardens look like two feet lon but you get fooled becase of the speed that he is going over them. I can wait to see how the FASTEST (Gwin, Gee, Hart, Hill, Brosnon) will do on this track...!
One of the most amazing DH courses I've seen in a long time! Love it. Amazing mix of technique, pedalling and jumping. Love those big jumps in the middle/final part! Even the surroundings are awesome. Way to go for the future of the sport.
True test for pedaling performance of suspension and fitness of the rider. Might not be the riders choice of a fun track but important for presenting variety of the sport.
Will the guys running droppers for the pedal section be constantly putting the thing up and down for the jumps? Or is it a case of just puting it up once and hitting the jumps with it raised?
You know they don't run right... they ride bikes. But I know what you mean, my best hiking boots and my legs would still hurt if I tried to run down the course
When you can ride that fast it will make perfect sense. Sun spots and rocks look exactly the same, and going from open sunlight into the woods you are running blind for a moment. A little orange paint goes a long way in helping to spot lines and stay on course. Small details that help keep the speeds for everyone watching at home.
they blow the whistle every time a rider passes the whistle guy so the rider in front can hear whether or not theres a rider close bihind or if the rider behind is gaining on them.
With all due respect, this is WC DH racing, not Enduro or Super D. For real evolution of DH the DH part should be progressing.
and near the start that is one massive cliff they have to go down
I just can't wait to see Steve Peat, Cedric Gracia, Brian Lopes, just gunning it on that straight and eat up everything as they go!
Can't wait to see the Santa Cruz bikes perform with the new suspension.
If it rains, the track will turn to sloppy loud music filled with English people?
What tyres will the riders need for those conditions? Cut Minions, Dirty Dans?
(Note that official is a loosly used word in this circumstance)