In the Australian Alps - yes, they're referred to as the Aussie alps - we find ourselves at the Thredbo Resort for the third downhill round of the season. With what could only be described as perfect conditions, a reconditioned trail and some large names in the mix, Friday and Saturday's practice gave riders a chance to catch up with those that arrived early in the week.
Jared Graves has been busy putting in time this weekend on his new steed. With no obvious signs that he's completely changed bikes recently and some blistering runs early in the weekend, excitement is in the air at the sight of the 2014 EWS champion, not to mention an all-round bike idol amongst the crowds.
Duke Millington styles it up on his Mondraker Summum, making the most of Thredbo's infamous fireroad that lead to the race start.
Thredbo's Cannonball trail has several rock garden sections, linked by loose-on-hard sections with berms and rough chutes. Well known for it's ability to break bikes and spirits, the course here at Thredbo is one to be respected.
Cody Kelley, stopping by on his way to NZ with teammate Richie Rude, was seen shredding all day Friday and Saturday, but is not registered to race Sunday.
Cody's EWS teammate and reigning champion, Richie Rude, turning heads on his enduro bike in the famous Yeti team colours.
Team Mondraker Australia's Kellie Weinert and series leader Sarah Booth (rear) completing runs together. Kellie is one of the strongest young female riders to rise through the Aussie scene since Tegan Molloy, and has had a good season thus far. With only two rounds left before National Champs, it's time for everyone to show what they've got if they're going to challenge the series leaders.
Troy checking out the rejuvenated dry chute that featured in the 2015 nationals course. Unfortunately during practice on Saturday, Troy had an off resulting in a dislocated shoulder and will not be competing on Sunday.
Riders scope the flat turns out of bunny walk, with the main village below.
Despite the damp conditions in the week prior to competition, the trail is quickly drying out after a few days of rain. The forecast for Sunday's racing however, is dust...
Michelle Crisp - almost a Thredbo local now despite living 6 hours away in Sydney - blasting run after run throughout practice with her eyes set on the elusive top step.
Troy trailing his competition mid-way through the course on a fast rocky traverse - pre-crash. We want to know what he does with all the used race kits!
Graves is unquestionably the most comfortable looking rider on the mountain. A veteran in all forms of two wheeled competition, Jared and his heavy hitting Specialized Enduro will be heat-seeking for the #1 spot this weekend.
Aidan Varley, chasing results after 15th place in Canberra during round 2. Thredbo is a well versed trail for many riders familiar with the national circuit - including Aidan - and with many top riders absent, Aidan has a great opportunity to secure himself some ground on the competition this weekend.
Tegan Molloy, a blur through the grass as she cruises her home course. While she has more notches in her belt than her competition, Molloy is ever-humble and always focused on the job at hand. When she's not on the mountain, Tegan takes the time to chat with younger riders about the course and their riding - a testament to the growing legend of Ms Molloy.
Golden light and golden locks - what a time to be alive. Noah Watson styles it up approaching the end of runs for Friday practice.
With a field just short of 200 riders, Sunday's racing will kick off early in the day - dry conditions are forecast, with a high chance of action.
Graeme Mudd, aboard his fresh Devinci Wilson eyes up our photographer Ben Stevens on another dialled run - Mudd is impressed with his new ride, reporting on it's solid performance and stability over the rugged course.
Richie Rude doing run after run - with the quickest turnaround of any lift-assisted trail in Australia, riders were pumping out up to 10 runs a day to get the course under control for racing tomorrow.
Healing vibes go out to Troy for a quick recovery in lead up to the World Cup, and the ongoing National season.
Sunday's racing is sure to be epic - look out for our race coverage to come, but in the meantime, who's your pick for the win in Men's & Women's Elite?
Why would you use carbon rims on Enduro or DH bike? If you want them to last, you need to make them so burly that they weigh almost as much as alu. Then they are stiff as hell making you feel that you are running at least 5 PSI more. Carbon rims are good for XC racing, this is where it ends.
They also make sure there are no illegal modifications to the trail such as cut tape and gaps in tape for a short cut, as well as checking for things that shouldn't be there or need to be fixed.
Amazingly crisp photos,it's great to see these national races covered so well. UK, US, Aus and NZ seem to have good national series, where else is on this level? Never much mention of France which is surprising?
Jared with an Enduro w/ Boxxer fork and 2FO Cliplites... dude does whatever the f*ck he wants. It's like he don't even care what anyone else is running... i'm with ya man!
Excellent article dude. Loved the quality of the pics and the in-depth insight in your write up. So good to see the AUS series finally getting some good coverage!
OK I am a dork for noticing but the Yeti team is running Renthal Fatbar light bars? This is a 740mm bar on a downhill course. Did the course have narrow sections or is 2016 the year of the narrow bar?
Saying they're probably as fast is wild speculation anyway, need to see the clock! And the real question would be would the same rider be faster on a dh. Here I would say yes.
I would guess that he just wants to ride a bike we will race in this year (minus the boxxers). he could get a demo if he wants one but it's a great way to test what an enduro can do.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/13139477
1. Graeme Mudd
2. Jared Graves
3. Thomas Crimmins
1. Tegan Molloy
2. Danielle Beecroft
3. Kellie Weinert