A new venue awaits the world's downhill elite for their first event in 2018. With less than three months left until the kick-off of the UCI Downhill World Cup season on April 22, the Specialized Gravity team headed to Lošinj, Croatia to check out the newest race track on the circuit.
See a preview of the Lošinj, Croatia venue here:
Who do you think will take the win at this new venue?
I don't necessarily think having varied events is bad, I just wish there were more of them. Have long technical tracks, short steep techy stuff, even some flatish runs... I think variety is great, really reflects the best all round rider!
Same here and everyone was trashing this place when they first saw a helmet cam preview. This is going to be interesting to watch and it looks pretty rugged throughout.
There is now no reason for Red Bull not to show the full race run for the men's top 20 and women's top 5. The first 3/4's of the track look immense. Let's hope.
@dubod22: let's also hope they license some new music. Is it just me or does it sound like the UCI uses adult movie music from the 90's for their media content? You think they'd license something a little....better
I think the UCI should have more round like back in the late 90's, there was usually 8-9 rounds plus a World Champs and the NORBA series was so stacked with all the best riders with was like the DH season kept going and going.
Im not sure why there is a round earlyish in the year than a 6 week gap then 2 rounds almost back to back then a gap, it has nothing to do with riders getting injured as that just does not make sense.
I reckon there should be 12-15 tracks that and every rider (mens/womens and juniors) get an email with a poll of what 7-9 tracks they would like to ride during the season, I bet you a lot fo tracks would disappear and the results would be even closer therefor making for an even more exciting season for us punters.
@heavyp: I don't know, is any venue bidding and not getting awarded a WC? Or are the WC rounds we do have in the only places that have put up the money? Is 7 rounds an enforced choice or an actual decision by the UCI? The April thing is probably a way of stretching out the season (and therefore the exposure and $$$) as much as possible.
@BenPea: @heavyp: I think 12-15 stops would be sick, and riders should race all of them. I seriuosly do not understand though why places have to pay so much to host these events. I mean surely it can't be that expensive and there are ways around reducing costs!!! If events got closer to the people they would be more successfull, I mean a lot of people have to travel a lot to watch a race, and in a lot of countries htere simply isn´t one. I mean out of the few venues quite a lot of them take place in the Alps, like there are no other mountains and resorts in the world. If the uci doens't change this the next race will be in Dubai, thats where the $$ is.
@heavyp: The money and logistics that uci requires is pretty staggering. There was an article on the WC in NY a few years ago,it explains there bidding process and requirements. I believe the resort has pay around $300000 plus a ton of other people and equipment. Took them till there 3rd year I believe to recoup there money and make a profit.
@MikeGruhler: world cup fee is 15k. But some time ago I managed to find a document about world championship (dh, xco, trials) and the price there was something like 300k or even more so yeah... And this is only organizing fee, then you still need to organize the race, track and pay for safety, staff,... Uci just sucks, dh would need to move in the direction of ews: less talk, more rock!
@Crisskan: That fee shouldn't even exist or be that high. UCI charges astronomical fees which don't actually pay for anything other than the right to host a race, that is a racket. The fees should just be way way lower which would encourage new locations to host. But not entirely sure why the government would pay for that. It is a privately owned ski resort that is choosing to host an event, government shouldn't have to pay for that.
I’ve said it before, I still reckon that if they’re not going to add more rounds to the WC series then run them closer together. That way another series like the IXS could run after like in supercross where there’s the indoors and outdoors.
@shakeyakey: that's a great idea. I'd like to see more Urban downhill coverage thrown in there too, and the best races from various national series. Bootleg canyon is like nothing else on the circuit right now.
@ianswilson815: Exactly! And because of this reason we are seeing same venues year after year... They should just impose a rule that only 30% or something races could be held 2 years in a row, but then again this would pretty much counteract their current system If you think about it, UCI policy is just ridiculous, they claim their goal is to promote sport, but if you want to promote the sport yourself by organizing races you have to pay them, for doing their job?
The only reason to fund a race from governmental point of view is the exposure. I'd say most of the organizers are already working with local governments (or their subsidiaries) anyway because there are usually banners around the track (like big Scotland gate above last part of track in ft. William).
But yeah, we all agree current model that UCI holds is not optimal and could be improved... If you ask me, EWS brings much more bang for less money.
@winko:Wouldn't doubt the 15k price tag. Just remembering what I read on the article about Windham WC. They may have been talking about total investment costing 300000. Either way it seems like the UCI should be the ones paying the resorts not the other way around.
@MikeGruhler: Yup. In my mind its no different than the IOC which requires ridiculous concessions like 5 star hotels, limos, parties, separate/private traffic lanes etc etc for their board members at Olympic venues. I understand that UCI needs to fund the work that they do, and yes in cases they are beneficial. But when your fees are actively reducing the venues that can and want to participate, then maybe its time to look in the mirror and recognize that you're doing something wrong and not really encouraging the growth of the sport over the world but rather restricting it to a few select locations (Europe) which can afford it.
dont want to prejudge but more than half the video is judge tourism stuff, dont get me wrong thats an awwsome place to be in but were not here for that, were here to race, RACE ! dont be surprised if more racers transition to enduro, which right now seems to be more exciting on EVERY aspect.
Get a grip and get it right UCI
This gives us a better idea of the track (and some Buzzcocks too!): www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFCirX41cSw Looks a bit bumpy. Maybe add a bit of pressure in those tyres. It'll definitely be interesting.
@BenPea: video shows you maybe 20% its a preaty hard track, bealive me i know me and couple of friends found that let me say path while driving around and cleaned it because we wanned to ride it. And race after race there is a world cup now
That video is described as a venue preview, not a track preview. So for those who might want to go and spectate it is useful to see more than just the track and race details.
That's right. And someone has to pay for the damn thing too. Lošinj is a very small island almost without any industry except tourism. So if you'll be forced to watch some beaches, panoramic coastal shots and old fisherman's villages please forgive them. It's the only reason they are having this race. It's not like they have a bunch of mountainbikers on the island.
I don't hate on the race organizers, it's the UCI that needs to go. UCI operates on extortion and bribery, and gives zero f*cks about growing the sport of DH. It's high time someone else take over.
Ok, as everyone is bitching let's explain a few things. First, this venue was chosen because the people who organize it made effort to be chosen. It was this or Maribor (which the riders always loved and would be awesome) but the organizers in Maribor hardly managed to get the park properly reopened last year and the people behind Lošinj did a lot of work. As far as the track itself, it's not an easy one at all. I've raced on it, it kills you physically, it's actually harder to ride than let's say Maribor. Some big features on it, you can take your enduro argument home. I personally didn't like the track as much as this makes it sound, especially the last part through town but it's not as terrible as you say. I'm looking forward to seeing the pros handle the rocks and expect a lot of broken components. I just wanted to say it's not just UCI saying "you will organize a race", it takes people and their hard work to make a WC happen.
@saski - fair point but is it physically demanding with big holes and rocks or also technically challenging (difficult/flat corners, steep bits etc)?
Watched some gopro footage from 2016 and it looks like it's littered with rocks but does seem to lack the flow and steepness of MSA, VdS etc. Well aware videos don't do a track justice though.
Been there last year and had a few runs on Losinj. Coming there we had the same feelings as everyone seeing the GoPro shots, but that changed really quick.
The track is awesome, not too hard to ride but damn hard to ride fast! I think at world cup speed it's just as hard as Windham, short but very very intense.
No one is made at the host countries / tracks. Hats off to those who put forth the effort to make it happen. That is not what we are complaining about - it's the typical European "stuff my pockets" bureaucracy that oversees the series (UCI). They don't care about DH, never have and never will. They care about road biking and making money. It's pretty obvious.
@bonkywonky: What's technically demanding is riding it with a flow - as konamann said it's hard to ride fast. You f*ck up your line and the rocks quickly stop you dead in your tracks. You get thrown out of your flow, you're f*cked, especially in the sections that aren't steep or before a big jump. As I said it's not one of my favorite tracks either. Three times more components were being broken compared to other races, mostly wheels of course.
Hi UCI/Redbull. Ontario has short technical 2min tracks. Is it ok if Blue Mountain hosts a World Cup...we don't have real mountains but we have money :-)
We need to make a UCI round in Snowshoe, West Virginia. It has all the space needed for tents and such and the pro line is the gnarliest, rockiest trail I’ve ever seen. I asked Aaron Gwin what he thought about it at nationals, and he said it was just as hard as fort bill if not harder
2 mins for a WC DH really ? By what was shown on that clip looks like a mashup of footpaths , sheep tracks and a few berms thrown in,the EWS could deffo show the UCI a thing or 2 on planning race venues and finding “proper” WCDH level worthy top rider testing tracks,, I wonder if a few riders will be using “enduro” bikes with some beefy tyres to ride this first race of the season after all “Phill Atwill” rode one on a hard tail last yr to prove a point!
The whole thing is UCi is NOT looking for new venues. Race organizers need to APPLY for a race and pay big bucks.
EWS is based on local events, so it's completely different story.
two minute downhill? At the World Cup level? Really? Wow.... Sounds/look techy which everyone has been asking for, but two minutes??!! I guess if the island scenery it there, suppose all the UCI officials received posh beach side condos so they approved it.
@onemind123: I started watching this stuff last year and was honestly surprised there's only one run. Pros and cons for one or two I guess tho eh. Was like holy f*ck it's down to one holy shiiiiiiiiit that's gotta be stressballs
@bman33: agreed. like moto. combine times on two runs. travel all that way, ya might as well get a four minute ride in. smaller teams can atleast get their money's worth.
I love natural rocks, this really belongs to DH for me. I can´t imagine a championship without a properly rocky track. Well done guys. Also is good to move out from the ski resorts too and bring the sport and good show where big population is.
Save yourself the hassle. The first and last minutes of a three minute video are the results of a first time drone owner playing with the cool stock features.
Beautiful looking place that and great to have new venues in the calendar but if we are going to bring 2min tracks into the series we should be adding it as an extra race, not replacing a 4min 'real' WC track with it - Diversity is good though.
As always, racing will be tight, the top guys will still be the same as usual and at least the weather will be good, bring back the gnar though! Bikes 10 years ago couldnt light a candle to the current rigs but tracks are getting 'easier' rather than rougher / tougher to match the bikes.
@mikekazimer : pleaaaaaaaaase f*ckkkkkk Not so much tho that ppl get burned out like American MX and SX but enough to satisfy. Be fun to see a longer battle for a title.
I'm afraid for the racers that get slightly off-line and clip their handlebars on the rock walls. Man, that's going to be ugly.
It kinda looks like another track that basically just has one line on it. The video didn't show any sections where the riders can get creative and take different approaches on different sections. Bummer.
I am confused as to why they chose this site. There are much bigger mountains close to Split, which has a large airport that is easy to get in and out of. Brac, across the channel has a large mountain as well that must have good trails coming down it...
Permits probably. Split and that area is famous for political/bureaucracy corruption so I'm sure that the organizers didn't want to bother with that because it would be impossible to organize an event like this without lining a lot of pockets.
Losinj on the other hand has a very developed and active sense of tourism and I'm sure that the local folks were glad to have something of a promotion for their area. And it helps also that the ex major of (Veli) Losinj is the first man in ministry of tourism.
Pity though that I'm not sure if there are only a handful of local downhillers on the entire island(s).
Money. For WC race you need to pay like 25k chf fee to the uci + pay all of the costs of the race. So when people bitch why there is race here or there the its simply because somebody needs to pay a shit load of money for the race. In this case I've read interview with organizer who said WC is happening because Losinj tourism paid for it... Btw the organizing crew is almost local to Maribor (not the same who did wc in maribor tho), but still decided to organize wc on 200m verticals
@szusz: Well, UCI gotta pay those juicy swiss salaries. I'd say we move their HQ to Zimbabwe, this way they can be paid real billions ^^ Btw I lied, registration fee is only 15k€ Here is the link
Great replies,all. I was unaware that spots had to pay so much to hold a WC. No wonder they are all held at Bike Parks now...marketing budget. I for one love Croatia. During my visit there I saw some amazing geography and geology mixed with gorgeous sea views and friendly people. I was just hoping that if Croatia was to be featured, that it was some of the best the country had to offer. Maybe the national tourism board should have been involved. @winko:
Keep them wanting more- one reason we love downhill so much is because they limit the supply. This is not a bad thing. In addition, DH is a sport with a lot of risk and fraught with injuries. A longer season will only lead to injure more riders. I hope Red Bull and Mercedes continue to make each race as spectacular as they can.
Track what I can see looks like a nicer Fontana CA.. I'm not sure if I want to go race DH or turn into a snob and go sailing on my parents trust fund.. Good try film maker . Time to move to Hollywood and start making money. Jus sayin...
Like it or not, UCI are the muscle behind these events. The manufacturers could break away but at a time when some big teams are stepping away from DH for EWS it just wouldn't be a viable option. A DH team is already expensive.
@dubod22: EWS (Enduro, trail riding and not Dh generally) is where the majority of bike sales are at the moment I would guess and currently they are not muscled by the UCI, cover a larger area geographically and probably have a larger global audience than Dh. Dh right at the back of the queue behind Road, CX, Enduro and XC.
@Ron-C: Those corridors are actually ancient, built over centuries to indicate borders of property Hand made, all of them, probably before your country was even established
@winko: The American above may well have been joking. I spent a lot of time studying antiquities from the former Yugoslavia to Turkey and totally appreciate ruins, etc. If he wasn't joking, apologies from the US antiquities-appreciating DH community of PinkBike.
I wonder how technical the track will be come race day.
If many riders head over for practice weeks things will bed in and race lines may appear.
Fingers crossed this is a good race on a new venue.
Finn "there are lots of rocks" who would have thought a track in Croatia would have LOADS of rocks. The place is full of them just look at their beaches.
This is 100% a stage straight off the EWS but we shall see? They did say any gopro footage was very misleading to how rocky and steep etc... Croatia looks class ????
@bighit117: you choose to race urban DH though, doing a full WC DH series is a contractual obligation of sponsored riders and even if it wasnt, you need to race them all if you want to do well.
To be honest though, though the walled section looks pretty dangerous how much worse is it than 40mph through the trees? I would rather run down the side of a wall than smash a tree head on at full chat.
Big S marketing ploy...."super technical yadda yadda".....goes home and live the next months in the gym haha! On a serious note, it is soon time for racing again!!!
DH? for this kind of tracks we already have the EWS.
I don't think is a good idea to show that you can use a DH bike to go downhill following a sheep's track. Don't get me wrong, I love to have tracks that show variety, but variety inside a proper DH track, otherwise let's use a "doitallkindofbike" aka all mountain/enduro bike and that's it...oh wait, that's the Holy Bike Red Bull event, right? (www.redbull.com/es-es/events/holy-bike). OK, I'm confused now...
I don’t get it..... are they using the same track for XC the day before? This “track” of you can call it that looks nothing more than a old goat path for residents to go on Sunday walks along..... get your shit together UCI, your taking our beloved sport and turning it into a joke after we have fought so hard to bring our sport into the public eye. You literally could have chosen ANYWHERE in the world..... and you choose Croatia.... a country that has a total elevation gain of 6000 feet, then decide to plop your track along the side of the road 578 feet above the ocean....... I mean it’s not all bad tho, the views are great, UCI members get a free tan after a long winter, and the boats look awesome..... maybe you guys will have the finish line right on the beach! That way you guys don’t have to get off your fat asses long enough for the ice to melt in your drinks during the medal ceremony!
Im not sure why there is a round earlyish in the year than a 6 week gap then 2 rounds almost back to back then a gap, it has nothing to do with riders getting injured as that just does not make sense.
I reckon there should be 12-15 tracks that and every rider (mens/womens and juniors) get an email with a poll of what 7-9 tracks they would like to ride during the season, I bet you a lot fo tracks would disappear and the results would be even closer therefor making for an even more exciting season for us punters.
The April thing is probably a way of stretching out the season (and therefore the exposure and $$$) as much as possible.
@heavyp:
I think 12-15 stops would be sick, and riders should race all of them. I seriuosly do not understand though why places have to pay so much to host these events. I mean surely it can't be that expensive and there are ways around reducing costs!!! If events got closer to the people they would be more successfull, I mean a lot of people have to travel a lot to watch a race, and in a lot of countries htere simply isn´t one. I mean out of the few venues quite a lot of them take place in the Alps, like there are no other mountains and resorts in the world. If the uci doens't change this the next race will be in Dubai, thats where the $$ is.
Uci just sucks, dh would need to move in the direction of ews: less talk, more rock!
The only reason to fund a race from governmental point of view is the exposure. I'd say most of the organizers are already working with local governments (or their subsidiaries) anyway because there are usually banners around the track (like big Scotland gate above last part of track in ft. William).
But yeah, we all agree current model that UCI holds is not optimal and could be improved... If you ask me, EWS brings much more bang for less money.
Looks a bit bumpy. Maybe add a bit of pressure in those tyres. It'll definitely be interesting.
Raise your hand if you have organized a race event (promotions, marketing, speaking to different people, raising funding ,permits...).
Right, stop bitching and just enjoy the show.
And someone has to pay for the damn thing too. Lošinj is a very small island almost without any industry except tourism.
So if you'll be forced to watch some beaches, panoramic coastal shots and old fisherman's villages please forgive them.
It's the only reason they are having this race. It's not like they have a bunch of mountainbikers on the island.
Watched some gopro footage from 2016 and it looks like it's littered with rocks but does seem to lack the flow and steepness of MSA, VdS etc. Well aware videos don't do a track justice though.
...
Wtf, a road section?
As always, racing will be tight, the top guys will still be the same as usual and at least the weather will be good, bring back the gnar though! Bikes 10 years ago couldnt light a candle to the current rigs but tracks are getting 'easier' rather than rougher / tougher to match the bikes.
Not so much tho that ppl get burned out like American MX and SX but enough to satisfy. Be fun to see a longer battle for a title.
Losinj on the other hand has a very developed and active sense of tourism and I'm sure that the local folks were glad to have something of a promotion for their area. And it helps also that the ex major of (Veli) Losinj is the first man in ministry of tourism.
Pity though that I'm not sure if there are only a handful of local downhillers on the entire island(s).
Btw I lied, registration fee is only 15k€ Here is the link
Judging by this vid, anyone want to take over unders on the amount of parts that are going to have to be replaced?
How much did the UCI pay these folks to try to hype this "track"?
Croatia looks class ????
To be honest though, though the walled section looks pretty dangerous how much worse is it than 40mph through the trees? I would rather run down the side of a wall than smash a tree head on at full chat.
On a serious note, it is soon time for racing again!!!
I don't think is a good idea to show that you can use a DH bike to go downhill following a sheep's track. Don't get me wrong, I love to have tracks that show variety, but variety inside a proper DH track, otherwise let's use a "doitallkindofbike" aka all mountain/enduro bike and that's it...oh wait, that's the Holy Bike Red Bull event, right? (www.redbull.com/es-es/events/holy-bike). OK, I'm confused now...
UCI - irrelevant useless fat C$@ts