Gotta say i'm really impressed with Connor Fearon and Sam Dale, they seem like they're really steppin up. And holy shit Rach just fucked everyone, no lube involved.
That sinking feeling when you have Connor Fearon, Sam Dale, Rachel Atherton, Mick Hannah on your fantasy team and Jack Reading...who is in England. It could've been a good weekend for me!
Hannah is 4th fastest top speed, but 34th overall so you can bet he had a crash… he should be sitting in the hot seat for a good long time during finals
Its a game of who can keep the two wheels between your legs on this track
Apparently there is an Atherton that is good at doing just that while riding in mud that looks greasier than Taco Bell Shits
2 Seconds slower than Sam Hill. I always pull for Mitch.
Conditions are really affecting seeding. Im wondering if certain riders qualied slower to get a cleaner course, if its rutted up that has to be a factor, no?
Yes, Anne Caroline Chausson... used to post winning times so high that she could have beaten most men also. When she was still technically a junior winning her last junior world DH title, she essentially threw a tantrum at the awards ceremony because they hadn't allowed her to move up to the senior elite category which had cost her winning the more prestigious title (her time was several seconds ahead of winning senior woman Leigh Donovan).
can't say he didn't get what he deserved being that far down the list, 39 seconds slower than his team mate. What's he trying to prove by riding a 29er in these conditions on this track? just makes him look like a bad sport and an ignorant yank...
I don't have anything against 29ers - I have a 6" and a SS hard tail 29er - but the Enduro isn't the right bike for this circuit. Sea Otter is one thing, but this track is too gnarly for what amounts to a stout trail bike. The frickin' thing is named after the discipline in which it belongs.
So he rides the 29er during practice and then switches to the Demo for qualis? Is it true that Troy and Gwin were on Enduro protos as well? Interesting. Could it be they are sticking with the 27.5 Enduro until the 27.5 demo prototype is available...if it even is coming.
2 Seconds slower than Sam Hill. I always pull for Mitch.
Conditions are really affecting seeding. Im wondering if certain riders qualied slower to get a cleaner course, if its rutted up that has to be a factor, no?
I mean, he had a second qualifier at World's last year on it and crashed in the first corner along with a few other people. Tough corner mixed with bad luck there. Was riding notably fast in training/practice at PMB a couple weeks ago and got a flat during qualies. Chalk that one up as bad luck also. I don't really think its the bike so much as just a string of unluckiness. I really would have liked to have seen where he would qualify on it if it were dry.
Talked to Gwin in the bottom section in practice, it's full of off-camber roots and mud, his tyres were fully caked up and said he was like riding road tyres on mud. He seemed fairly relaxed about the mud but like everyone, it was a hard time sliding through those berms sideways.
Then Gwin looked like he was smashing it in Quali, over the gaps an tabletop, in form. Blenki just killed it going through the rock garden, best line chosen and smooth.
Talked with Wyn Masters and he seemed pretty cool about the ordeal, the track today was just SLOPS. FULL ON SLOPPY JOES for everyone.
When I left the venue, the rain came in and flooded the place once again. I think tomorrow will be another mud run!
Also managed to get some stinging tree action today too, it's been a while Minjin, thank you..
Thank you mofyman. That footage should shut everyone up about it not being a DH track. My God! It looks like you cannot make a mistake because if you come off your bike there is no quick 'up-and-at-'em', you have to wrestle yourself back onto the track.
This could be anyone's race tomorrow.
thanks bobochobo, I was living in the past. check out the HD version, much better. And definitely, if you go off course, it was a mission to get back on, wrestling bikes and restless spectators, it was a loose all round type of afternoon. Now I don't hear any rain, but it has been raining since I left the track since 4pm. Hope it drys up a bit. Will get more footage tomorrow.
Cheers cutamerc, yeh the red bull cameras were totally in the wrong spot, but may have been to not have to deal with the hecklers. Today was off tap, the balmy army were out full steam at the rock garden!!! Will load up my footage online at the Recent results page...
Eddy that is some transcendental shit. Amen. Rapt for all the kiwi boys but extra rapturated for T Matts & Stingray in 38th & 37th. Great to see you guys in the main event.
Even though I'm an aussie, i guess this can be in the ANZAC spirit: YEAHHHHHHH BLENKI & EDDY!!!
so good to see those groms shredding at the top, but super disappointing to see that Hill's injury looks to be getting the better of him, and can someone please tell us that there is a good reason why sik mik is so far back??
Gwin up 6 seconds on the Blenki and a whole bunch more at the 2nd split. The rest is pedaling, so if he has a clean downhill and pedals his enduro on the pedaling section, he has a very very good chance of winning
It looks like Blenki absolutely slaughtered everyone on the lower part of the course. 7th at split 1, 3rd at split 2 but then he comes out on top at the finish line. Does that mean he out pedaled everyone in order to get the fastest time?
It could be a number of experienced riders sandbagged the qualifying, to ride down the track in better conditions for the final. It will be horrendous for those coming down last....going to be an interesting race for sure!
Luca can hang in the mud. He grew up racing in it. Many people don't know this, but North Carolina is considered a rain forest. Our rainfall totals can match anywhere. I'm betting on Luca and Neko!
Neko mixing it up! Wonder if it took it easy on the bottom section and is saving the pain for tomorrow? Good on Connor for top-Aussie honors as well!
Hard to say what tomorrow will bring in many facets. I'm curious as to how many people saved their hard-hard sprints for finals and just how deep some of these guys/gals dug today. We'll know this time tomorrow!!
see how blenkis first 2 splits arent up there - 7th and 3rd. he must have killed it on the final split. and gwin up 5 seconds in the 2nd split beating out neko. seems like that 3rd section is the deal breaker
Just wonder if any journo or rider will complain about muddy Europe these days. It's bloody dry at the moment here!
Anyway, look forward to seeing to action footage of that slippery party!
Survival of the tribe? Jesus. Women ride bikes. It is a good thing that women ride bikes. Giving women a stage in which they can excel in competition is a good thing because I can show this to my 8 year old daughter and say 'Look at those women screaming down that ridiculously steep hill. You could do that one day'. To say that the top men will beat the top women is correct. It's also just completely irrelevent.
Interesting. I think he may have saved some power/endurance in that last super aerobic section. He may have realized that he was doing well and then just cruised into the finish. I don't think start time will make a difference on race day. Either way, it's really inspiring to see Aaron back on top after last year.
Yup. Comebacks are always inspiring. It will be doubly interesting when Steve Smith heals up and these two rippers go at it in the second half of the WC.
Anyone know which bike Gwin and Brosnan rode in Cairns?
I was there today! The times are all out of whack cause there's been a lot of crashes... Super slippery and the roots and rocks are even more slippery!
Been drizzling on and off all day, most of the track is a mudslide, especially the bottom. But if there's no rain overnight the top section will be nice and tacky!
I'm sure lots of people will disagree but in my opinion Danny Hart isn't very good at a World Cup level. He is too inconsistent and wild, needs to rein it in a bit. He had that brilliant run at Champery and that's about the only memorable thing he has ever done.
Ya and Logan bingelli and Kevin aiello have beat gwin before, I think the top riders, Danny aside apparently, conserve somewhat to save themselves for the real races
Thats a very fair and honest opinion harryfranklin.
I watched the first round of the BDS at antur stiniog where he won. That's national level. At WC level he needs to calm it down. He seems too gun-ho and it costs him.
Just seems like every WC DH thread there is someone asking where Steve Smith is, or what his time was. A nice PSA would clear that up. Regardless, can't wait to have him back.
Thanks, guys! I was worried for a second that the UCI had suddenly found another crazy rule hidden somewhere in their books. Ha ha. Thanks for the confirmation, Rachelle!
You must mean womyn. take the men out of it. but seriously he has a good point women suck at dh compared to men; not saying they can't be good or faster than I, but in comparison they blow dick like they're auditioning for the next Houston 500
Wut a tool bag u r. I guess we should just compare men and women at everything...boxing, weight lifting. We should get rid of weight classes too because why shouldn't a 140lb guy not be as good in the cage as a 180lb. The internets full of big talkers like Jimmie and RobAussie. Post up your top races boys and we'll see how you compare...I'm pretty sure I know of a handful of Whistler local gals that would smoke you.
You're ignorant AND a fool to speak so negatively about women who are chasing their dreams and changing the game.
First of all, women have a lower muscle mass to body weight ratio than men because of physiological makeup (women have higher body fat ratios to support reproduction and other crucial functions), as well as a difference in overall weight, height and sheer strength to size ratio. If Rachel were the size and strength of her brothers, there's a good chance she'd actually be faster. Also: the rational instinct of the female brain prioritizes self-preservation and survival over adrenaline and heroics unless their young are in danger.
So while you think we may 'suck at DH', at least we don't suck at life. Bigger off, you a*shole.
I never said you suck at life. And you just listed a bunch of reasons why women are worse at dh than men. I'm not saying I could smoke rach but top women against top men will never be close. And I never said anything about them chasing their dreams or "changing the game" I fully support women riding bikes, not because they're women but because everyone should ride/race dh because its awesome. But if you look at results and all the reasons you listed it shows that women suck at dh compared to men.
No, I said that YOU suck at life... It's what is called an 'inference'. And guess what? I suck at a lot of things compared to men... Like, peeing standing up, smashing beer cans on my head, etc.
As I pointed out in my above comment that I'll re-explain for the denser members of this forum, men and women shouldn't be compared in DH -- it's physiologically impossible to get the same exact results without the same exact build, hence my size/brain/body fat statement above. My POINT was that comparatively, for Rach's size and weight and muscle density, she is fast, as are a LOT of other women. It doesn't mean she sucks... It means she has a different physiological build than the men do.
You pointing out that women suck at DH doesn't have a place in a bike forum for ALL. Because you know what? Compared to you, she's a rocket. Lots of women are, I'll bet.
It's not about comparison -- it's about appreciating both genders of riders for what makes them DIFFERENT. Rach has a grace and a speed that's truly interesting to watch -- she doesn't muscle through shit and instead, has a ton of technical talent. Just like any rider comparison, she'll have strengths and weaknesses... Regardless of gender.
Stop making this about being a man or your manhood, because if you really were a man, we wouldn't be having this conversation.
I didn't say she sucks at dh. She's a very good rider as are many women. I said women suck in COMPARISON to men, because the comment I was replying to compared women to boys half their age. Whether they should be compared at all is another issue that I may agree with you
Some people here are small minded. These women who compete on the same DH tracks with men are amazing! Sure our opinions are to our own, but these women are Pros for a reason and living their dreams. How bout you?
Dude don't get sucked in. It's fuckin nonsense. Her rant is just empty and argumentative. Assumes we're all slower than the ladies and all Neanderthal.
Still one of the few sports where it's awesome to watch regardless of gender. In many respects, it's all the more impressive seeing the girls hit the stuff that so many men struggle with.
I don't fully understand why you posted a vid of her eating shit from casing a jump many others were overshooting. But I do whole heartedly agree, best sport to watch regardless of gender.
Amanda, the differences between women and men in terms of DH performance is not just down to strength: it is also due to the differences in how their brains are wired. Women's brains do not judge speed nor track moving targets as well as men's. This set of abilities is a major asset when racing as fast as you can down a hill while avoiding stationary objects and remembering just how fast you can take a corner.
Millions of years of evolution has made men good at hitting moving objects, being violent, ignoring pain, and having hyper-focus - this is best for the survival of the tribe. Women are good at multi-tasking, communication, nurturing, and have a higher tolerance of pain and greater endurance (for child birth) - this is best for the survival of the tribe.
I know the last race in Pitermaritzberg was on a Saturday but why have they changed the race to Saturdays this season?
Conditions are really affecting seeding. Im wondering if certain riders qualied slower to get a cleaner course, if its rutted up that has to be a factor, no?
What's he trying to prove by riding a 29er in these conditions on this track? just makes him look like a bad sport and an ignorant yank...
Conditions are really affecting seeding. Im wondering if certain riders qualied slower to get a cleaner course, if its rutted up that has to be a factor, no?
vimeo.com/92915414
YEAHHHHHHH BLENKI & EDDY!!!
so good to see those groms shredding at the top, but super disappointing to see that Hill's injury looks to be getting the better of him, and can someone please tell us that there is a good reason why sik mik is so far back??
Hard to say what tomorrow will bring in many facets. I'm curious as to how many people saved their hard-hard sprints for finals and just how deep some of these guys/gals dug today. We'll know this time tomorrow!!
Anyone know which bike Gwin and Brosnan rode in Cairns?
I watched the first round of the BDS at antur stiniog where he won. That's national level. At WC level he needs to calm it down. He seems too gun-ho and it costs him.
"Stay on your bike Danny"
9:15pm PDT - 21hrs from now.
First of all, women have a lower muscle mass to body weight ratio than men because of physiological makeup (women have higher body fat ratios to support reproduction and other crucial functions), as well as a difference in overall weight, height and sheer strength to size ratio. If Rachel were the size and strength of her brothers, there's a good chance she'd actually be faster. Also: the rational instinct of the female brain prioritizes self-preservation and survival over adrenaline and heroics unless their young are in danger.
So while you think we may 'suck at DH', at least we don't suck at life. Bigger off, you a*shole.
As I pointed out in my above comment that I'll re-explain for the denser members of this forum, men and women shouldn't be compared in DH -- it's physiologically impossible to get the same exact results without the same exact build, hence my size/brain/body fat statement above. My POINT was that comparatively, for Rach's size and weight and muscle density, she is fast, as are a LOT of other women. It doesn't mean she sucks... It means she has a different physiological build than the men do.
You pointing out that women suck at DH doesn't have a place in a bike forum for ALL. Because you know what? Compared to you, she's a rocket. Lots of women are, I'll bet.
It's not about comparison -- it's about appreciating both genders of riders for what makes them DIFFERENT. Rach has a grace and a speed that's truly interesting to watch -- she doesn't muscle through shit and instead, has a ton of technical talent. Just like any rider comparison, she'll have strengths and weaknesses... Regardless of gender.
Stop making this about being a man or your manhood, because if you really were a man, we wouldn't be having this conversation.
Watch this, and tell me you're not impressed: http://vimeo.com/45207348
Some shocking chauvinism in this thread. Bravo 'ambatt' for having the courage to speak up.
Millions of years of evolution has made men good at hitting moving objects, being violent, ignoring pain, and having hyper-focus - this is best for the survival of the tribe. Women are good at multi-tasking, communication, nurturing, and have a higher tolerance of pain and greater endurance (for child birth) - this is best for the survival of the tribe.