Track Walk Photo Epic - Leogang DH World Cup

Change is usually a good thing unless it is done simply for the sake of change, and even then it's still better in the long run than staying the same. And it is that theme that looks to sum up the World Cup track in Leogang this week, high in the Austrian Alps. After more than half a decade on roughly the same track the organizers have added a few subtle changes and a few not-so-subtle ones, all of which will add up to a track that's quite different what we've seen in the past. Will it be better or worse? Only time will tell.

The first thing riders will notice is the distinct lack of rocks, More specifically, there are practically zero rocks on the whole track. Given that the dirt on this hillside, made predominantly of pasture land, is naturally devoid of rocks this should come as no surprise. But given the amount of artificial and man-made rock gardens that have been cemented in through the years it is quite a stark contrast. The lack of these more manufactured technical sections certainly does give the track a more natural flow and feel which is never a bad thing. Has the track then been made smoother as a result? Yes, yes indeed. But before jumping on the hate parade there are a few other things to consider.

In other sections of the track berms have been removed, and wide open off cambers have been put in their place. So recently in fact that the dirt is loose as, and will be full of ruts, holes and drifty inside lines by this time tomorrow. All good things. Lower down in the woods the track shifts away from the previous boulder field and instead weaves through three new corners. All of which are off camber, and are currently covered in fresh loam. Knowing the amount of roots underneath and you can be sure it will get interesting.

Add in few subtle taping adjustments to open up the odd hero line or two or force riders to control their speed and something quite a bit different from past years begins to emerge. Sure it follows the same track which has never been everyone's favorite, but it has never been a "bad" track. Just one that seems to get a bad rap on the internet more than in person. Remember how everyone called Leogang pedally until a certain racer won despite snapping a chain in the start gate? Leogang is fast, very fast, and with guaranteed tight times the racing here has always been awesome. Something we don't think will ever change, regardless of whether or not the track does.

Let's just hope it doesn't rain... Again.