In 4X qualifying, there were no surprises: Jared Graves and Anneke Beerten qualified first. Graves will likely dominate. However, Beerten’s been racing XC in addition to 4X, and while she has the lungs, she may not be able to put as much top end power to the pedals as she’d like.
Setting up the pits for the racers means early days for the mechanics.
Only two racers carry plate #1. This is Sabrina Jonnier's sled: a brand spanking new Rocky Mountain Flatline.
First race of the year is when the one off goodies start appearing; Cedric Gracia is beyond stoked with a custom goggle strap for his Oakleys.
Ricky Bobby of Santa Cruz checking pressure on a fresh Rockshox air shock.
With 25 minute waits for an uplift, and a 20-25 minute drive to the top of the course, it's no wonder racers surround the bike trailer like a school of hungry piranhas in an effort to claim their bike and burn in a run.
Not Joe Smith, but Mitch Delfs, rocking out on his new Kona ride.
With plate number 127, you know Jared Graves has been a long time away from a World Cup DH track.
Nick Beer taking the drifty line through a blown out corner before taking the first drop on the track.
Full moto in the same drift zone is none other than Mr Sam Hill. Look to see this gaudy kit replaced with rainbow stripes come race day.
With no chair lifts, there's no steady stream of riders on course. Instead, it's 20-30 minutes of inactivity, only to have a cacophony of whistles pierce the air as a prelude to yet another freight train of riders on track.
Mmmm...Maxxis Minion tracks. These and the Schwalbe Muddy Mary were the tire of choice today.
Gee Atherton rocking the other #1 plate.
Steve Smith. It was dry enough today that he manage to keep the racing whites clean.
Luke Strobel pinning it into the one legit "Extreme Caution" zone on the track.
Fabien Cousine through "Pebble Beach" at full gas.
Lukas Machura of Chain Reaction squeezing into a tight spot during 4X qualifying.
While Quentin Derbier cuts the roomier inside line between the gates.
Guido Tschugg whipping over the last set of doubles on the midtrack straight.
Anita Molcik gasping for breath after the 1:08.56 time she laid down during 4X qualifying...good enough to qualify second.
Michal Prokop coming in hot with a 1:01.538. The Czech rider was gassed coming across the finish line, and 3 seconds down on Jared Graves. Graves was the only rider to go sub 60 seconds on his qualie run.
Stay tuned for more World Cup DH coverage!
What a Legend!!!
and about sam hills kit - what on earth is going on there? looks like childrens pyjamas
the prices are slowly coming down, i wouldn't pay $1000 like they were when they first came out. that was just for the basic model too. but now they are down to $300, and that's not too bad. $300 or the possibility of life in a wheel chair. that's now a hard decision at all.