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.
As for the lower rock garden, the new rooty and fresh off camber turns should be much better.
It'll be an interesting weekend with those new sections, can't wait for the weekend.
And yeah, it probably will be an interesting race. I'll give you that.
Race tracks and recreational trails are totally different things. You are welcome to join me for some trail education any time (you pay the flights!).
They aren't worried about safety, they just want clean race runs on the broadcast to make a good tv show. So easier tracks it the way to go.
Sad
I'll refer back to my original post about PB members.
@davetrumpore: ok, rules already exist. But then minnaar runs a back protector made with a few marshguard + zip ties and Gwin goes with ultralight knee pads.
1. as usual SikMik's no handers are flawless
2. Wow that is a beautiful part of the world
3. New Fork oil? My forks would be like..."what the heck is this?!?!?"
I don't think tight times make for a very good race! When rider A finishes in 3:25.487 and rider B finishes in 3:25.485, did rider A really prove they were much better? I'm not sure I even trust the timing system to be as accurate as thousandths of seconds. In my opinion, a great world cup is a race in which one rider takes a commanding win and dominates the rest of the field. Minnaar didn't simply squeeze onto the top step last weekend, he owned it. To me that was so exciting to watch.
I do think that off camber and flat turns necessitate the skill level needed to pull ahead, and often man-made rock features result in only one good line, so hopefully Leogang is onto something here, but it's a little hard to be optimistic.
for all its faults I remember freecaster covering more racers an more track
Normally coverage of bikepark riding is who jumps highest and has the sickest whip, not being the fastest against the clock.
I didnt like watching the woods section at Ft William, it was just ridicolous.
I guess what Im trying to get at, its good to see variety in tracks, so different skills and riding techniques are rewarded.
Dont get why they would destroy the rock gardens though..
Was an embarrassment...
Weather doesn't change the fact it was terribly made and ill conceived. Everyone knows it pisses rain down in Scotland, none moreso that the trail builders, who should have know better than to make that section in the first place.
Wet and dry it was terrible two years in row through there.
Brook Macdonald was gone of the Bike at exactly that spot when he was dropping in there in the training, but luckily he didnĀ“t have problems with those stumps.
That was pretty clever, Dave.
www.pinkbike.com/news/champerypreview-2010.html
Pic #1 - gnarly rock garden
Pic #2 - gnarly rock garden is now a buffed out section with a few roots and a gal yawning in the background
HAHAHAHAHA