Claudio's Course Preview: World Cup DH, Val di Sole

Aug 20, 2015
by Red Bull Bike  

The Val di Sole track in Italy is a brutally technical maiden. Packed with slippery roots and plenty of rocks, it drops steeply through the forest into the valley floor. The 2,200m long course has had a facelift for 2015, with more line choices and North Shore added to the classic track.

Regarded as one of the most technical downhill runs in the world, the Italian course is going to be an incredible showdown for the season-ender. With the overall downhill title still to be clinched, it's set to be a weekend of fast and furious racing.

Watch the action unfold on Saturday, August 22.

redbull.com/bike



MENTIONS: @redbullbike / @velosolutions / @SCOTT-Sports / @konaworld


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193 Comments
  • 176 2
 now if we could just get Claudio to moderate the next presidential debate....
  • 30 4
 Only in America...
www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user92183/imageroot/2015/08/DeezNutsTV_0.png
  • 27 37
flag westeast (Aug 20, 2015 at 7:54) (Below Threshold)
 @GetREkTm8 It's pathetic that those are the two frontrunners. Economically ignorant and full on narcissism. The debates would still be garbage even with Claudio. I'd like to see there be more world cup races. 7 is not enough.
  • 44 89
flag DaDawg (Aug 20, 2015 at 7:55) (Below Threshold)
 He should run for president... apparently you dont need to be born in the us to become president... kenya dig it...
  • 8 3
 ..
  • 16 6
 Camacho 2016
  • 47 2
 Bikes are awesome
  • 36 3
 Well... to bring things back on track.... the course preview really shows how gnarly and relentless this is. If it stays wet, it'll be exciting to see how well Danny Hart does up against Gwin, Minnaar, Loic and Brosnan and Ratty. Wow there are a lot of top guys gunning for it I just realized. This is going to be awesome.
  • 3 1
 that track definitely looks like a good measure of a champion. As for having someone commentate a debate I would still promote," just the tip, with Tippie." That would be good.
  • 15 2
 ^^^ it would get real good when Tippie insisted on touching Trumps hair.
  • 9 36
flag dropoffsticks (Aug 20, 2015 at 9:18) (Below Threshold)
 nobody listen to the canadians. you don't know what america needs @GetREkTm8
  • 17 10
 @dropoffsticks merica needs a prez who dosent spend 9 trillion dollars in 4 month after being elected.
  • 4 1
 he still looks fast and it took him 4.46 to do it!
  • 16 22
flag soldenreturn (Aug 20, 2015 at 9:34) (Below Threshold)
 A country of 300million and that the best candidates you can come up with. It doesn't matter who wins both of them will be working for Israel.
  • 17 36
flag Yt-shredder (Aug 20, 2015 at 10:25) (Below Threshold)
 Donald trump is At least honest to the citizens.he could bring your economics forward.not saying he is flawlesl but he ist the best one from the candidates.bernie Sanders is a loser who has never had an Real Job in life so better forget him.and Hillary Clinton is the worst of all
  • 3 8
flag DaDawg (Aug 20, 2015 at 11:10) (Below Threshold)
 Sometimes i wish pinkbike was like Hillary's blackberry.
  • 13 22
flag DaDawg (Aug 20, 2015 at 11:29) (Below Threshold)
 Oh i agree Hillary is a yeast infected vaginal cum dumpster that will take the usa to an all time low if elected..
  • 18 25
flag westeast (Aug 20, 2015 at 11:45) (Below Threshold)
 @GetREkTm8 Sanders is a socialist (most of the them are, he's just out of the closet). If I wanted socialism I'd move to Venezuela and stand in the bread lines. Please don't take this as an endorsement of any other candidate. At this point, they all seriously suck. So rather then watching CNN or Fox news spout the latest lies and propaganda I'm going to go for a bike ride or watch some world cup racing. I just wish there were more races! 7 is not enough.
  • 3 4
 @GetREkTm8 oh my god chill out it was a joke. I don't have a problem with canadians
  • 22 5
 Dear Canadians, I believe some of you elected Rob Ford.
  • 13 4
 If Donald Trump does a course preview he's got my vote
  • 14 0
 Claudio - "...Australians are used to dirt..."

Sam Hill (2007, Schampery) - one of the best final runs EVER!!!
*interviewer* - Do you train when is muddy back in Australia?
Sam Hill - Nah.
  • 4 1
 @LuvAZ for the win! Now let's get back to talking about riding our bikes.
  • 1 20
flag soldenreturn (Aug 20, 2015 at 12:54) (Below Threshold)
 Getrektm8 please Brernie Sanders is proud to be jewish. Clinton has jewish advisors. Trumps children have married into jewish families. Are these candidates going to have Americas or Israels best interest at heart ?
  • 8 4
 Why do you guys hate Israel?
  • 4 4
 @getrektm8 you mean city... like toronto..
  • 17 4
 Seriously, all politicians are corrupt, self preserving cunts, this is a MTB site, Gnaarrr for President !
  • 1 19
flag westeast (Aug 20, 2015 at 14:00) (Below Threshold)
 @GetREkTm8 Adding "democratic" to "socialist" doesn't change a thing. Behind any form of interventionism (socialist, fascist, whatever) is the threat of force. Try respecting the people instead of forcing them to do things your way. PM me if you want the conversation to continue. I feel bad making non mountain bike comments here and won't make any more.
  • 14 1
 Deez Nuts?
  • 2 2
 It's just a question (not sarcasm), why isn't Claudio a professional DH Racer ?, amazing skills and energy has this guy.
  • 11 0
 @FabienTT Claudio was a pro back in the day. like 16 years ago or something. he retired from pro racing and now just lives the rockstar life in the truck managing the team.
  • 9 0
 Gwin for President.
  • 2 0
 www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMk97wYFE4g - Rob Warners version
  • 1 1
 @EnduroBro. Don't forget V.P. Not Sure!! Wink
  • 2 0
 @EnduroBro thanks bro, I don't even knew it.
  • 6 2
 Hillary4prison2016!
  • 3 5
 At least trump is educated on the 14th amendment of the us constitution(just like @30+ other countries)and is emphatically challenging the establishment republicans on this.
Amahttp://www.breitbart.com/video/2015/08/19/levin-cruz-trump-sessions-are-right-14th-amendment-doesnt-mandate-birthright-citizenship/zing how the establishment republicans argue these facts.
Btw, I'm not a trump fan boy, Ive favored the Canadian born ted Cruz for years.
  • 7 2
 geez guys, don't believe the hype… if voting made a SH*T of difference they wouldn't let you do it!! just accept your fate as oppressed people and go biking- arguing about which poison is the best is just a waste of time. the next prez was picked years ago. there is NO candidate who plans on making it right for the common man, NEVER has been, NEVER will be. We will NEVER be saved by a new president. TRUE STORY!!
  • 5 1
 don't believe it -it will never happen- look @ the world its never happened, EVER. the world at large is not here for your benefit or enjoyment, the sooner you realize that the sooner you can begin to cope properly. just go ride- believing in fairy tales of a righteous president just wears you out when you realize they are not true, ever, as in NEVER.
  • 1 2
 Statistics for happiness? Sounds fishy to me. There are actually a lot of good articles that discuss your myth of nordic prosperity after the increase in social programs there.

Why is Bernie such a cheapskate and only suggesting a $15 hour federal minimum wage? If politicians can just mandate a wage why not make it $50 or $100? Have you ever read an econ text book about price/wage controls? This is why there is a wheat shortage in Venezuela right now. The government mandates the cost be x, producers can't supply it for that cost so the consumers go without. How many carbon wonder bikes could a bicycle manufacturer produce if the government mandated they only charge $500 for the bike? Let's face it. No one is smart enough or has all the knowledge to be telling everyone else what prices for labor and materials should be. Let the market sort it out and we'll all have more than we would under a centrally planned regime. And please don't take this as an endorsement of the current system in the states. It's a mess with all sort of intrusions by the big government big business partnership. Seriously though, Bernie won't usher in some socialist utopia. It doesn't exist.
  • 2 1
 and reallybigmantis is right about the voting. When's the last time your vote made a difference? I sat out the last presidential election (romney/obama) and it felt great Smile
  • 1 1
 @Skootur "It says here your shits all tarded" love that movie, even if it's predicting real life.
  • 1 3
 Family of four on $15 is not so great either, especially in CA, let alone Canada where beer isn't even affordable. Why isn't bernie advocating for $100 an hour?
  • 1 1
 There is probably a better forum for this discussion. It is showing up on my dashboard when I sit down to check my morning edition of Pinkbike news. I would rather it be about bikes and riding. Thanks though, I respect your right to chatter away.
  • 3 1
 IF a man is good, he won't get to be president, if he is president, he is NOT good. only lying soulless sadistic sociopath pedophile murderers make it to any important office. accept this.
  • 2 1
 @EnduroBro. Yeah, a hella funny movie but I'm worried that the opening sequence is coming to fruition even now as we speak. The wrong family trees are getting to many branches...
  • 1 0
 @reallybigmantis I can't tell if your trolling or not
  • 1 0
 lets just hope deez nutz gets the win!
  • 1 0
 no troll! jus trying to say- save your energy and accept the way of the world. regardless of how much false hope we can muster the game will not be changed by the likes of people like us. every second of the last 200 years clearly shows this truth. i only commented to stop the political nonsense that developed above. ur better off believing that deez nuts will change the world LOL
  • 1 1
 @reallybigmantis Please fill me in, who exactly is oppressing us and who picked the next pres four years ago. PM me if you want, I would love to hear your crazy conspiracy theories.
  • 1 1
 YOU ALL FUCKING SUCK SO BAD! No one cares, PM each other or do the rest of us a favor by drinking a shot of bleach. Good lord.
  • 1 0
 someones having a bad day, you do realize by replying you're keeping the conversation going.
  • 85 1
 "I guess Italians just don't like blowjobs"
  • 33 0
 he's even preparing material for his previews. Claudio's stepping up his game
  • 9 0
 Oh that is what he said hahahah
  • 8 0
 Thanx Claudio, my day is gonna be that much better after that.
  • 21 0
 but but....we do.... Frown

btw Claudio Caluori has clearly italians origins by father at least Wink
  • 3 0
 As a person who visited Italy a lot in my youth, I must say Claudio's swearing is perfect!! haha
  • 3 0
 Vote for pedro
  • 1 2
 Who is pedro?
  • 1 0
 its a movie reference from napoleon dynamite.
  • 82 1
 Thank you Claudio for doing these and managing to stay alive all season doing it.. you bring so much to the MTB world of DH and much more...
  • 23 0
 Yeah with building all that pumptracks and also with managing his own team. Such an awesome dude! Gotta respect all the effort he puts into mountainbiking! cheers!
  • 16 1
 Don't forget that he's the man behind the legendary Champery WC track as well! Smile
  • 8 0
 I rode that, very slowly on a 140 trail bike, bit of a shocker Eek
  • 2 0
 I can only imagine, @pigman65 - one of the few tracks that actually looks super-steep on camera, which means it's even steeper than what it already looks like. Props!
  • 3 0
 he's one of the men behind Champery. The other main guy is the product manager of the Scott Gambler, Ben Walker.
  • 1 1
 Dang it, another claudio pov hat won't load the player Frown just like the last 2 or 3. What's up?
  • 44 0
 Sat down with nice hot cup of morning coffee, opened laptop.... ahhhh, perfect!
  • 10 0
 Too bad it's the last race of the season.
  • 12 0
 Well, there's still the World Champs
  • 7 0
 True that, but crap! What was that? Six races?

Besides, I was hoping Minaar would have more time to come back. ;-)
  • 34 0
 "Do you have a French passport, Connor?" Haha. He is dissing the frenchies whenever he can.
  • 8 1
 Why does he call it a french line ?
  • 17 0
 Cause he is taking a shortcut. I am not sure where this cliché comes from but I suppose it goes back to the beginnings of enduro racing in france.
  • 6 3
 I thought he was making fun of the French line - Maginot Line - from WWII. The French thought it to be impenetrable/perfect but it fell apart when Germany attacked. I thought when ever he picked a good line and ended up being off, he called it a French line from that. Maybe I'm wrong though...
  • 18 0
 I think that is a play on one EWS Event (last year?) where supposedly some french riders took some shortcuts...
  • 1 0
 @raschaa Now that you say that, I think you're right! I think I heard that previously as well. Nice catch!
  • 2 0
 I know that when you take a "French Exit" its when you leave a party without saying goodbye to anyone, you just disappear.
  • 8 1
 @somismtb, I'd say "French Exit“ is rather "Filer à l'Anglaise"
  • 1 0
 Yes, there was some accusations of french riders cutting switchbacks, to the point where they had to make it clear that it wasn't allowed.
  • 2 0
 But the question is... is it a viable line since there isn't any tape? Seems like it to me. Could be interesting
  • 1 0
 Peaty would like to stay off them: nsmb.com/peaty-gets-ladder-bridged 3 stitches, & as he bails there's already somebody already on the ground off to the right.
  • 34 1
 That track is so steep I caught myself leaning back in my computer chair..
  • 28 5
 this looks like a great video (i say LOOKS because stupid redbull player wont let me watch it)
  • 3 0
 what browser are you using?
  • 4 2
 Hit and miss with these vids all the time...
  • 4 2
 I have the same problem on mac, I cant seem to watch any of these Redbull videos unless they are the live ones...
  • 2 0
 Didnt work for ages for me. Suspect it's just being spread on their CDN and will be available for all soon.
  • 2 0
 I think it is a Flash issue with Firefox. Try watch it through Chrome or another internet browser
  • 9 0
 Man it was the bes,t claudio said wa wi woh a lot of times and then made a sam hill reference and then sang. Good times!
  • 1 0
 @Baracuda42 : That may be down to a Flash version. It seems there was a recent update and my firefox browser on my Ubuntu box won't allow flash to run unless I allow it.
  • 1 0
 Ugh, Flash... Work blocked allow it and PB killed the HTML5 player. Sad days!

Could we add a YouTube link if it's hosted there?
  • 1 0
 For anyone else who uses a Mac - Use Chrome and you shouldnt have any problems watching it.
  • 24 1
 sam hill couldnt take the inside line either #tosoon
  • 21 0
 Hold my beer..... No seriously I have a broken wrist I can't hold it myself.
  • 21 0
 Porca miseria! che cazzo Claudio! che fai!!??

BADASS TRACK.
  • 8 0
 ahahah that was priceless
  • 13 0
 Ahahah son morto quando l'ha detto!!

Epic Win! Big Grin
  • 2 0
 LOL I heard those words out of my Italian father more than a few times growing up!
  • 20 1
 Waiting for this preview is like a smoker waiting for cigarettes. Thank the Baby Jesus its finally here
  • 18 1
 I almost enjoy Claudio's preview more then actual race coverage....almost.

"WAIT!!!!!"
  • 3 0
 me too
  • 18 0
 that track gets gnarlier every year man
  • 4 3
 The track got easier this year.
  • 1 0
 love this track!
  • 16 2
 I've just down voted every comment about US politics and would invite everyone else to do the same. FFS this is the last race of the MTB DH World Cup, not a US political debate forum. Can't wait to watch this race!
  • 9 1
 pinkbike should have a no discussion of church or state policy,it would do the site some good.there are plenty of places to discuss that BS.
  • 10 0
 That whole section from 3:30 to 3:50 looks crazy steep. I wonder how can he keep speaking while riding it.
  • 14 0
 Not just that section, but literally the entire thing. If you ever go watch the race, they put up ropes that spectators can hold on to as they try to get down the course without falling into a life-.size pinball game of boulders and trees. This course is the epitome of steep gnar.
  • 6 0
 Holy mother of all things Holy. That was brutal. Claudio is like an excited little kid when he sneaks a line in and it works out. Massive props to him for bringing us these track previews. It's one of many awesome things that makes our sport so good. What a season finale this is gonna be.
  • 7 0
 Ahah Claudio you rookie, that's not swearing! Brook can teach you something.. www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0aINf8Jgew&feature=player_detailpage#t=190
  • 6 1
 Have any of you watched the DH we replays on the red bull.tv site? The media player is actually pretty cool because you can jump to specific racers or top racers. I never noticed it until I Couldnt find the replay on PB and checked red bull. If you're watching it live the. Maybe it does suck. I've never had too much issue with it. But I'm a simpleton.
  • 3 0
 I always watch the replays and never have an issue with anything. I usually watch on my TV directly through the Redbull TV app on Apple TV and it works great. And I never have any issues watching other vids like these course previews either. It comes in smooth in HD without issue.
  • 9 0
 "why do I have to do this" ws the best part
  • 3 1
 was the best part
  • 7 0
 how can you watch this and not be entertained?!? "this is italy, so you can swear as much as you want!"
  • 1 4
 Fortunately there are people like you, able to explain us what we can do
  • 2 0
 relax @GP74 he was merely quoting Claudio, so criticize the Swiss.
  • 2 0
 @GP74, it was a quote from the video... did you watch the video?
  • 6 0
 I want to see a split screen where it has a camera looking back at Claudio's face. His facial expressions are probably priceless
  • 4 0
 "Berms? Turns? Nah, too much effort. See that fall line? Yeah, just go straight down it. I guess you can detour around the biggest boulders, but don't bother with any landscaping. The bikes will do that for us."

Dear IMBA- please take a note from the Italians. It pays to be lazy with your track building. Giant, machine sculpted berms suck. Meandering switchbacks suck. Go to the top of the hill. Drop a rock. Whatever line it rolls down, build your track straight down that. Minimum effort, maximum awesome.
  • 3 0
 I loved the part where Claudio gets off the wooed part and rides in the field then hops right back on the wooden section like it was no big deal~

This track is one of my fav tracks on the World Cup to watch. It's so damn gnarly and steep.
  • 3 0
 Claudio sets the stage so well for the actual race... would not be the same without him... I think I've seen attempts from others on Enduro tracks but I don't remember because I think I tried to forget them on purpose.
  • 6 0
 why the season ending on aug? i wish it was all the way to Oct
  • 5 0
 nice to see the the new go pro session mounted up . but wondering why zero footage was used
  • 2 0
 because POV footage from a handlebar mount sucks. Even his chest cam was shaky as shit
  • 4 1
 Dear Red Bull: Please skip your Red Bull Battle Grounds (Starcraft II) and invest THAT MONEY developing a better media player. Sincerely, it sucks. Thank you.
  • 6 1
 Long live Claudio and his course previews!!!
  • 1 0
 I AGREE!!!! And what a great course this is too!! Wish I could do a lap...or 20 on it!
  • 5 1
 Someone should make a PB poll that is "What is the best Claudio Course Preview ever?"
  • 8 0
 The one where he says WoooWAaAAaWooHHHAaaHa I almost crashed WooWwaaahWeewoo
  • 1 0
 theres a montage
  • 4 1
 He should do a timed preview run. Be interesting to see how quick he is against other riders
  • 3 0
 If there were no breaks this cut, the preview time should be 4:47 (0:46 - 5:33) which is 60 seconds slower than Gee and Gwin's time. What? How is that even possible.
  • 2 0
 Claudio is a former world cup racer...not THAT far removed from competition. Plus, he took the 'Frenchie' line onto that one bridge. Wink
  • 1 0
 Plus the other riders had plenty of practice but he only had 1 run. I'm pretty sure he would have got quicker
  • 4 0
 This is by far the best way to start a work-day
  • 1 0
 You forget Claudio's at work. Screens suck. Resolution is much better in the real world. Wink
  • 4 0
 Connor looking fast on this track
  • 1 0
 So knarly for so much of the track - hope Redbulll are taking a huge coverage crew so they can film as much of it as possible live !
  • 1 0
 I'd really like to see(or rather hear) the double act of Claudio and Rob Warner do a course preview together! That would be brilliant!
Come on Rob get on your bike
  • 2 0
 we need Rob commentating his run . LOOK at the time
  • 3 1
 Track was good but Claudio made it great!!!! I came to hear him scream for joy!!!
  • 2 0
 "Keep on rocking in the free world!"

Would love to have Claudio meet and get interviewed by Nardwuar.
  • 2 0
 and... this is how my mind imagines a perfect DH track. Val di Sole is the best ever!
  • 1 0
 The fact that Claudio likes Neil Young has bumped him further up my top folk in the world list!
  • 3 0
 Yeah Connaahh
  • 2 0
 Claudio has outdone himself - this one is all time!
  • 2 0
 I'm glad i don't have to ride it !
  • 1 2
 The track looks more fun than previous years, however it is quite less technical. Apparently, new generation downhillers -except the usual winner ra - had hard time getting down.
  • 7 1
 Watch Ratty's run. He makes only two comments the whole run, a 'hei ho' response to the guy following, and a 'F#%&ing Hell'. I realize the visor mounted camera is not as stable as other mountings, but it looks brutally rough, technically ridiculous and steep. I don't see anyone who is actually riding it calling it 'less technical'.
  • 1 3
 The people who designed the track said it is less technical. Or better say less rough and more flow. They said the old track was too difficult for some of the new riders. Old downhill (riding down a mountain) vs new dh (riding down a bike park).
  • 4 0
 Only slight sections were changed, but the hardest of the hard sections are all there still. Taking out some of the tech bits and adding about 20 seconds of "flow" and this course is still by far the hardest course they will race on all year.
  • 1 0
 Man Claudio was all over the place, really shows how sketchy the track is - can't wait to see this race
  • 2 0
 at 2:39 ,every one is gonna make it straight ??
  • 1 0
 Yes
  • 2 0
 Its so slipery!! why i have to do this? haha
  • 1 0
 @Redbullbike, please upload these to youtube so we can all watch with a reliable service.
  • 1 0
 They have a youtube page, actually. Wink
  • 1 0
 I know, but this track preview isn't on it yet, hence my request
  • 1 0
 bout time this was posted
  • 1 0
 So cool track looks hardcore, cant wait for Saturday
  • 1 0
 another kind of track you not need chain, but good brakes.
  • 1 0
 Why did he call it a french line?
  • 1 0
 I wonder too..
  • 3 0
 Never heard about Megavalanche?
  • 1 0
 I've know Megavalanche, why do you ask ?
  • 1 0
 Ah, so he means just create your own line or something like that?
  • 1 0
 I need more coffee before I can take the video off mute.
  • 1 0
 It is going to be crash city on saturday
  • 1 0
 I wish I could have the skills that Claudio has
  • 1 0
 Think ill watch it again..
  • 1 0
 I've waited my whole life for this
  • 1 0
 I've been refreshing pink bike just waiting for this
  • 2 0
 Always makes my day.
  • 1 0
 Italians don't like blow jobs. Lol
  • 1 0
 What a way to start the day. Coffee. Claudio. Shred!
  • 1 0
 Well, that was absolutely terrifying to watch. Bring on the race!!
  • 2 1
 this is why UCI should never take Val Di Sole out…
  • 1 0
 I agree that this venue should be always be on the calendar, but it has nothing to do with the UCI taking them out or removing them.
  • 1 0
 really? I though countries pay to UCI to be in the calendar… how it is works?
  • 1 0
 Whoa this ones gonna be exciting!
  • 1 0
 I just click ADD TO FAVORITES before even watching them.
  • 1 0
 Yes, Claudio, You really have to do this
  • 1 0
 BEST COURSE PREVIEW EVER! My jaw hurts from the continuous laughing.
  • 1 0
 Is it weird I get a full on boner watching these?
  • 1 0
 You gotta love Claudio
  • 1 0
 So gnar
  • 1 1
 I have a feeling were gonna see some awesome crashes come race day
  • 1 0
 SO ENTERTAINING!!!
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