Underworld Cup - Finals - With Colin Meagher

Apr 29, 2013 at 0:06
by Colin Meagher  
Uploading for the morning s final practice run. This is definitely NOT a World Cup. Riders have 2 hours or more of practice the morning of a World Cup DH final. Most opt to take two and go for it. That s with 100 riders total. Here at Dry Hill DH track in Port Angeles uplifts are a bit more limited there are over 400 racers in all categories needing that final fine tune. And uplift servide is provided for 90 minutes before racing starts. Most riders get in only a single run on race day. But if you hustle you may--may --just get in two. Cedric Gracia and Josh Bryceland hustling for the first uplift at 8 23am.
  Uploading for the morning's final practice run. This is definitely NOT a World Cup. Riders have 2 hours or more of practice the morning of a World Cup DH final. Most opt to take two and go for it. That's with 100 riders total. Here at Dry Hill DH track in Port Angeles, uplifts are a bit more limited: there are over 400 racers in all categories needing that final fine tune. And uplift servide is provided for 90 minutes before racing starts. Most riders get in only a single run on race day. But if you hustle, you just might get in two. Cedric Gracia and Josh Bryceland hustling for the first uplift at 8:23am.

Bulldog dialing in that final ride amidst NW fog.
  Bulldog dialing in that final ride amidst NW fog.

There were a lot of Red Bull lids on track for a simple NW Cup race. It seemed as if every few minutes there as a Redbull ripping down the track. Nick Beer backside on a mid course knuckle in the morning s practice.
  There were a lot of Red Bull lids on track for a simple NW Cup race. Nick Beer backside on a mid-course knuckle in the morning's practice.

Well we re doin mighty fine I do suppose in our streak of lightnin cars and fancy clothes but just so we re reminded of the ones who are held back up front there ought a be a Man In Black -Johnny Cash. Aaron Gwin doing his best to represent Johnny Cash at Dry Hill.
  "Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose, in our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes, but just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back, up front there oughta be a Man In Black." -Johnny Cash. Aaron Gwin, doing his best to represent Johnny Cash at Dry Hill.

Santa Cruz train of two Bryceland and Gracia.
  Santa Cruz train of two: Bryceland and Gracia.

Dry Hill is NOT dry but the tone on drunken rowdiness is definitely turned down a bit this year as compared to other events that have been held here in the past.
  Dry Hill is NOT dry, but the tone on drunken rowdiness is definitely turned down a bit this year as compared to other events that have been held here in the past.

NW Cold and misty mornings... ain t nothing better n a fire to cozy up to.
  NW Cold and misty mornings... ain't nothing better'n a fire to cozy up to.

SRAM Black Box tech to the stars John Cancelier going two fisted with the hot coffee.
  SRAM Black Box tech to the stars, John Cancelier going two fisted with the hot coffee.

Mini Shred. Hells yeah
  Mini Shred. Hells yeah!

Race run in 20 minutes and full houses in sani can row Do NOT pass go do NOT collect 200. At least it s a short line.
  Race run in 20 minutes and full houses in sani can row: Do NOT pass go, do NOT collect $200. At least it's a short line.

Uh... WTF Paris Gore confronted by the Robot Wonder Bread racer.
  Uh... WTF? Paris Gore confronted by the Robot Wonder Bread racer.

Loading up for the Ladies Pro Finals.
  Loading up for the Ladies Pro Finals.

Former Yeti wrench Shimano Tech Cannondale Demo driver and now Shell Answer Man at FSA Patrik Zuest putting the finish line fire pit to good use.
  Former Yeti wrench/Shimano Tech/Cannondale Demo driver and now Shell Answer Man at FSA Patrik Zuest putting the finish line fire pit to good use.

Love the NW Dirt. It is to mountain biking what Utah s champagne powder is to skiing.
  Love the NW Dirt. It is to mountain biking what Utah's champagne powder is to skiing.

Steve Bafus caught between Diety and Merican Radness at the Underworld Cup.
  Steve Bafus caught between Diety and 'Merican Radness at the Underworld Cup.

Jill Kintner is on an early season tear. She edged out the nearest competition--Miranda Miller--by 2.52 seconds on a sub 3 minute track. Not too shabby for the first real race of the season.
  Jill Kintner is on an early season tear. She edged out the nearest competition--Miranda Miller--by 2.52 seconds on a sub 3 minute track. Not too shabby for the first real race of the season.

The Other NW Evil rider Kevin Littlefield.
  The Other NW Evil rider: Kevin Littlefield.

Houston we have lift off... Cam Cole boosting over the knuckle on the final stretch of dirt before the finish line.
  Houston, we have lift off... Cam Cole boosting over the knuckle on the final stretch of dirt before the finish line.

Bryceland getting zesty on that same gap to the knuckle. Evidently getting zesty adds 2.25 seconds to your race run vs. Stevie Smith s low and PINNED line through the same section. But damn--it looks fun
  Bryceland getting zesty on that same gap to the knuckle. Evidently getting zesty adds 2.25 seconds to your race run vs. Stevie Smith's low and PINNED line through the same section. But damn--it looks fun!

Full Tilt Boogie for Steve Smith. And a second straight Underworld Cup title.
  Full Tilt Boogie for Steve Smith. And a second straight "Underworld Cup" title.

It ain t all about the big kids in PA minishred podium. So damn cool to see the future.
  It ain't all about the big kids in PA: minishred podium. So damn cool to see the future.

The Pro Women s Podium with a relaxed and confident Jill Kintner in charge.
  The Pro Women's Podium with a relaxed and confident Jill Kintner in charge.

Stevie Smith showing off the money to a crowded deck with no weaklings in sight. The Underworld Cup was sporting no less than 20 World Cup regulars. A podium here was a good gauge on off season preparation.
  Stevie Smith showing off the money to a crowded deck with no weaklings in sight. The "Underworld Cup" was sporting no less than 20 World Cup regulars. A podium here was a good gauge of 'off season' preparation.


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36 Comments
  • 94 2
 Gwin does not look happy watching Stevie getting up on the top spot lol
  • 20 5
 Gwin is like : " What EVERRR " hahaha
  • 24 2
 Doesn't seem to happy that Ratboy Bryceland beat him too! Nice work from the young gun from Manchester!
  • 2 1
 Everyone else on the podium looks pleased to see Stevie take first place.
  • 8 1
 and the fact that a 19 year old Aussie beat him Wink Yeah Connor!
  • 15 3
 Gwin looks like god dam where is my good old Trek Wink
  • 2 0
 He looks pissed that Bulldog came only one behind on his old bike! Haha
  • 8 0
 Gwin is classier than that guys. Though he does look angry...
  • 29 0
 Yeah Connor !!!! Banger !
  • 25 4
 Its kind of disgusting how little these guys get payed at a pro level DH event... this sport has progressed but the winning check has not.
  • 23 1
 Winning races is not their main source of income... I'm sure they can quite happily make a living between their sponsors and the winnings that they make. In all seriousness who would complain, if I got payed a single dollar to travel the world and ride my bike i would be more than happy.
  • 10 0
 This is a local Northwest race series not a pro level DH event. This is not a World Cup. Local racers would be pretty stoked to earn $1000.
  • 3 0
 It's all about the Win
  • 2 1
 I know that they make a lot on sponsors and what not but im about kind of comparing these guy to guys in nascar or even suppercross these guy are heros to a lot of people and they should be treated like it in my opinion...
  • 1 0
 I have no idea what the organization makes but I doubt they're getting rich. Either way, I think the pros came for the fun of it and to support a grassroots event. I wonder if the UCI will catch wind of this...I'm sure the pros were treated well.
  • 2 0
 @ cameronb3321. I could not have said it better and I sure as F agree
  • 1 1
 SPp, UW cup's a LOCAL race. You got extra prize $$$ after paying for the mob/demob/organization? Pony up, cupcake.
  • 1 0
 You'd be surprised how even at the top of racing (Moto GP, F1 etc.) some people still need money or big sponsors behind them to support the team they are coming into. There's just not the money out there in racing lately, the "good old days" are long gone sadly.
  • 20 3
 gwinny is not looking happy in the last pic .. !!
  • 14 0
 So nice to see that our Canadian pride is now competing at the same level as the other great DH athlete! Keep going Steve! Getting better every year!
  • 5 2
 *athletes
  • 9 0
 It's a local race. Doubtful the fees were exorbitant. Equally doubtful organizers made any money, probably just for the love of the sport. $1000 payout is pretty good in my opinion.
  • 8 0
 Miami Bryce looks fit and strong for the season, just like Stevie...It's going to be a good year!
  • 8 0
 Ninja fotographer spotted on the top right corner...
  • 2 0
 www.pinkbike.com/photo/9511527
  • 2 0
 Gwin is a So Cal guy, this is the NW and it takes a different kind of rider to go fast on our soil. Steve is pretty much a local (just a quick ferry ride) and it's obvious he is comfortable here with back to back wins. Bear Claw with a top 30!
  • 2 0
 look at that face of gwin
  • 1 0
 I love the kid that's like smelling his trophy! He's all like "Guys! I don't think this is candy!"
  • 1 0
 I see you Estes! Creepin!
  • 1 0
 Aaron Gwin (McKayla) is NOT IMPRESSED!
  • 1 0
 BEST no drinking sign ever
  • 1 0
 Go Jackson Golstone !!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 great pictures!
  • 1 0
 NICE CHORIZO!!!
  • 1 1
 Look at Miami Bryce's gwin, he must be one happy lad.....
  • 1 1
 The boy jake?







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