World Champs 2014 - Hafjell - Photo Epic- Day 3

Sep 5, 2014
by Nathan Hughes  
Into the misty Norwegian wood.
The weather was a bit all over the place today with chilly temps and fog greeting the Jr. riders as they began seeding runs.
  Into the misty, twisty, Scandinavian jungle we go. The weather was a bit all over the place today with chilly temps and fog greeting the junior riders as they began the important mission of seeding runs.

Mick Hannah got a little off line on his second practice run. Luckily he got right up and was alright.
  Some of the riding got a little 'all over the place' to match the crazy atmospherics. Mick Hannah was one of the many who got a little off line and a little bit bucked. Thankfully he walked away unscathed from this monster OTB.

All aboard. Hold on tight....
  All aboard? Hold on tight then....

Loris Vergier... lovely kid but sadly very sick in the head. Recently diagnosed with a rare condition that sees him turn into a merciless and clearly very disturbed individual when on a mountain bike. Can anyone catch up the 3.5 seconds plus whatever else he manages to axe on Sunday
  Loris Vergier... lovely kid, but sadly very sick in the head. Recently diagnosed with a rare condition that sees him turn into a very disturbed individual when on a mountain bike. Can anyone catch up the 3.5 seconds, plus whatever else he manages to axe on Sunday?

Martin Maes seeded fourth. The enduro rider is a real danger man for the juniors here in Norway.
  Enduro demon and Fort William surprise winner, Martin Maes, is back once again and is a real danger man in the juniors here in Norway.

Martin Maes is sitting in 4th and Laurie Greenland in 6th heading into the finals. They have both been at or near the top of the podium already this year so will be in the hunt for the rainbow stripes on Sunday.
  With Maes in 4th and Shaw 5th, Laurie Greenland sits just behind heading into the finals. They've both been at or near the top of the podium already this year so will be well on the hunt for the rainbow stripes on Sunday.

Luca Shaw keeping the tires only inches of the ground. Top 5 in seeding but looking deadly fast.
  Luca Shaw keeping the tires only inches off the ground. A humble top 5 in seeding, but looking deadly fast.

Proving once again she is the one to beat France s Marine Cabirou leads the Jr. Women by over 6 seconds.
  Proving once again she is the one to beat, France's Marine Cabirou leads the Jr. Women by over 6 seconds.

The round 4 Leogang winner Amaury Pierron stomped third place in the seeding today for team France and was in fact on the same second as Vernon. A French junior on the podium certainly looks imminent.
  The round 4 Leogang winner, Amaury Pierron, stomped third place in the seeding today for team France and was in fact on the same second as Vernon. A French junior on the podium certainly looks imminent.

Viktoria Giminez locking down second place in Junior women to keep the French fire thoroughly alive.
  Viktoria Giminez locking down second place in Junior women to keep the French fire thoroughly alive.

Taylor Vernon has found his fitness and confidence coming into the biggest race of the year. with the fastest top split in seeding he is definitely going to give Loris a run for his money on Sunday.
  Taylor Vernon has found his fitness and confidence coming into the biggest race of the year. With the fastest top split in seeding, he's surely the best bet to give Loris a run for his money on Sunday.

Tegan Molloy powering through the last technical section in seeding today. Molloy seeded third.
  Overall junior women's WC winner, Tegan Molloy, powering through the last technical section in seeding today. She has it all to do on Sunday to catch up with the French girls.

Ragot getting into the zone with the classic wiggly waggly hand warm up routine to see off the dreaded arm pump.
  Emmeline Ragot getting into the zone with the old 'wiggly waggly' hand warm-up routine, to see off the dreaded arm pump. It's something of a classic.

Chocks away...with Morgane Charre.
  Chocks away...with Air France and Morgane Charre.

Rachel Atherton weaving through the multiple rock garden lines.
  Rachel Atherton weaving through the multiple rock garden lines.

Rachel wants to keep the rainbow stripes in the Atherton family and still looked like the one to beat out on track today.
  Rachel wants to keep the rainbow stripes in the Atherton family and still looked like the one to beat out on track today.

Tracey Hannah if flying down the track here. None other than Sam Hill stopped by the Polygon pits later just to tell Tracy how fast she was looking.
  Tracey Hannah is flying down the track here. None other than Sam Hill stopped by the Polygon pits later just to tell Tracy how fast she was looking.

The lady part of the formidable Lapierre foursome hitting warp in the mist.
  The lady part of the formidable Lapierre foursome, hitting warp in the mist.

Carpenter hauling into the fastest berm on the track. After a phenomenal season we will soon get to see Manon s motivation level to keep a good thing going and become World Champion.
  Carpenter hauling into the fastest berm on the track. After a phenomenal season we will soon get to see Manon's motivation level to keep a good thing going and become World Champion.

Casey Brown scratched up some of that fresh nail polish working her way through the tricky rock garden.
  Casey Brown scratched up some of that fresh nail polish working her way through the tricky rock garden.

Micayla Gatto going down for a soil sample. Lot s of carnage in the rocks today.
  Micayla Gatto going down for a soil sample. Lot's of carnage in the rocks today.

We wouldn t want to call Myriam s chances of a podium at 100 but there s a Supreme chance of her making it unless the track really Foxes her.
  We wouldn't want to call Myriam's chances of a podium at 100%, but there's a Supreme chance of her making it unless the track really Foxes her.

Siegenthaler versus the giant rock. Already well back on form the top flight ladies have a fight on their hands.
  Siegenthaler versus the giant rock. Already well back on form, the top flight ladies have a fight on their hands.

Tahnee Seagrave
  Tahnee Seagrave balling through the rocks... Last year's junior champ ain't here to play nice.

Jill Kinter found herself on the podium in 4th place last year in Pietermaritzburg but it s going to be real scrap to repeat it with Seagrave now on the scene as well as Nicole and Siegenthaler back on the charge after injury. The battle for the top steps is on.
  Jill Kintner found herself on the podium in 4th place last year in Pietermaritzburg, but it's going to be real scrap to repeat it with Seagrave now on the scene as well as Nicole and Siegenthaler back on the charge after injury. The battle for the top steps is on.

Marcello was all smiles before practice today.
  Marcello just about ready to rumble in the Scandinavian jungle.

Did we mention that it is absolutely beautiful in Norway
By late afternoon the sun had baked the trail back to full summer glory and big pockets of dust were starting to build up around the lower rock gardens
  By late afternoon the sun had baked the trail back to near full summer glory and big pockets of dust were starting to build up around the lower rock gardens. Did we mention that it is absolutely beautiful in Norway?

Devinci mechanic Nigel is a bit light on work this week without Stevie here but still staying occupied working on Nick Beer s rig.
  Devinci mechanic Nigel is a bit light on work this week without Stevie here but still staying occupied working on Nick Beer's rig.

Andrew Neethling foot out flat out.
  Andrew Neethling foot out flat out, enjoying Norway's fine offerings this afternoon.

Marcelo tucked through the speed trap viewed high above in the lift tower.
  Marcelo Gutierrez tucked through the speed trap viewed high above in the lift tower.

Marcelo Gutierrez is looking fast and strong and wants nothing more than to bring a Worlds medal back to Colombia.
  Marcelo's looking fast and strong and wants nothing more than to bring a Worlds medal back to South America.

The banked corners in Hafjell are some of the best on the WC circuit.
  The banked corners in Hafjell are some of the best on the WC circuit. High tire pressure more than mandatory.

Stevie Smith is the only man ever to win in Hafjell. In his absence it ll be up his young protege Mark Wallace to bring home the Norwegian bacon for Team Canada.
  Stevie Smith is the only man ever to win in Hafjell. In his absence it'll be up to his young protege, Mark Wallace, to bring home the Norwegian bacon for Team Canada.

Thirion after landing the technical mini creek gap in the main rock garden looking to punish the next section with the same venom.
  Thirion after landing the technical mini creek gap in the main rock garden looking to punish the next section like one big meany.

Gee Atherton is finding speed and consistency on the slower safer line out of the rock garden. It s all about risk versus reward here.
  Gee Atherton is finding speed and consistency on the slower, safer line out of the rocks. It's all about risk versus reward here.

Sam Hill taking the outside line while most others went a bit more inside over the rocks.
  Sam Hill taking a rare outside line...imagine that. Probably nothing like what he plans to do for finals of course.

Steve Peat shimmies his way betweeen some tight trees.
  Steve Peat shimmies his way between some trees tighter than a ducks... beak.

Mick Hannah had a bit of a rough day with a crash in the rack garden and a touch of the flu. Hopefully he can rest up for Sunday to be in for the running.
  Mick Hannah had a bit of a rough day with his crash in the main rock garden and a touch of the flu. Hopefully he can rest up for Sunday to be in for the running.

Nick Beer looking focused and on the attack.
  Nick Beer looking focused and on the attack.

Wyn with some more of his dead-pan comedy.
  Wyn with some more of his typical dead-pan comedy. Taking a big fall today, but straight back on the horse with a bandaged up knee... Solid chap.

Loic Bruni was pinned today. If everything comes together for him he could be standing on the top step Sunday.
  Loic Bruni was pinned today. If everything comes together for him, he could be standing on the top step Sunday.

Grip it and rip it. Troy brosnan gets aero to carry as much speed as possible on the open sections.
  Grip it and rip it. Troy Brosnan gets aero to carry as much speed as possible on the open sections.

After the step down riders come into this corner at warp speed. some simply straighten out early and jump out of the berm while other slingshot to the inside to better set up for the following corner.
  After the step down riders come into this corner at warp speed. some simply straighten out early and jump out of the berm while other slingshot to the inside to better set up for the following corner.

GWIN
  Never one to over-practice, to say the least, the quiet American has been...quiet. No clues as to the likelihood of a lucky number 13 strike this weekend.

John Hall sprucing up Aaron s bike after a solid day of practice.
  John Hall sprucing up the mighty red Demo for one more day of destruction before finals.

Is there a team taking World Champs more seriously than Atherton Racing Probably not and it s because they have a very real chance of winning the mens womens and juniors on Sunday.
  Is there a team taking World Champs more seriously than Atherton Racing? Probably not, and it's because they have a very real chance of winning the mens, womens and juniors on Sunday. Gee on another blurry rampage.

A lot of people seem to have forgotten that Danny Hart was 2nd here in 2013. Danny hasn t forgotten and was on the gas all day.
  A lot of people seem to have forgotten that Danny Hart was 2nd here in 2013. Danny hasn't forgotten and was on the gas all day.

Rat Boy grabs a handful and sends it off the massive road gap up top. He is one of the few landing well down the hill where most are ever so slightly casing it.
  Points for amplitude... Rat Boy grabs a handful and sends it off the massive road gap up top. He is one of the few landing well down the hill where most are ever so slightly casing it.

The big question is- will that number two plate turn into a number one when the dust has settled Sunday
  The big question is- will that number two plate turn into a number one when the dust has settled Sunday?

Brook MacDonald fears no rocks. Ever. The Bulldog was blazing throught the rock garden today.
  Brook MacDonald fears no rocks. Ever. The Bulldog was blazing through the brimstone all day.

If anyone can consider themselves a true Hafjell specialist besides Stevie Smith it may be George the destroyer Brannigan. 2nd in 2012 and on a burner before a crash here last year it could be a good weekend for TWR and Kiwiland.
  If anyone can consider themselves something of a 'Hafjell specialist' besides Stevie Smith, it's George 'the destroyer' Brannigan. 2nd in 2012 and on a burner before a crash here last year, it could be a good weekend for TWR and Kiwiland.

Your daily toad stools. Probably really shouldn t eat these.
  Your daily toad stools. Probably really shouldn't have eaten all these. Because that's greedy.

Think you ride this section smoother Even with a kangaroo on your head without spilling it s beer We doubt it.
  Think you could ride this section smoother? How about doing it with a kangaroo on your head without spilling its beer? We doubt it. We'll bring you a shot of Hill's helmet design tomorrow.

Sam is still a little guarded about all of his lines. Even shutting her down when there are too many cameras about. Here s a rough transcript of a conversation trackside with Sven Martin. SM- We heard you had a pretty spectacular line through there. SH- Yeah it s pretty good. SM- You need a push up to hit it SH- Nope got it dialed mate. SM- We ve all been waiting to see it. SH- Too many team iPads about mate. It s too fast.
  Sam is still a little guarded about all of his lines. Even shutting her down when there are too many cameras about. Here's a rough transcript of a conversation trackside with Sven Martin. SM- "We heard you had a pretty spectacular line through there." SH- "Yeah, it's pretty good." SM- "You need a push up to hit it?" SH- "Nope, got it dialed mate." SM- "We've all been waiting to see it." SH- "Too many team iPads about mate. It's too fast."

It took a couple tries but Greg Minnaar hit the high line perfectly by the end of the day. Few have hit it consitently.
  It took a couple of tries, but Greg Minnaar hit the high-line creek-gap perfectly by the end of the day. Few have hit it consistently.

Down to the nitty gritty in the woods today and Greg spent a fair portion of his afternoon solving the many technical puzzles in the depths of the woods.
  It really was down to the nitty gritty in the woods today, with the defending champ among the many to spend their afternoon solving the sharp-edged technical puzzles in the depths of the Scandinavian forest.

Light on the trees.
  Ladies practice fires up at seven tomorrow, and men start at eight. Why even go to bed eh...

After two long practice days it s time to give the bikes a little bit of TLC
Women start practice at seven tomorrow and men start at eight. Best to get a good night s rest in.
  After two long practice days, it's time to give the bikes a little bit of essential TLC. Tomorrow we don't get qualifying, we get a kind of formal timed training with set start times. How many conclusions we'll be able to draw is dubious, but hey-ho...at least we get some form of a show of cards before the big day. What's that you say... 'Eeek'? Eeek indeed.


By Nathan Hughes




Trailforks.com

Posted In:
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69 Comments
  • 87 1
 These photo epics are sick! Keep up the good work PB!
  • 11 13
 this is me now
www.pinkbike.com/photo/11381402
  • 26 3
 No it isn't...
  • 9 1
 I have to say that I feel very proud to see Marcelo on this photo epics!! I really hope he can bring a medal back home!!
  • 22 0
 Hill, Bruni, Minnaar, Ratboy, Hart... BOOM
  • 4 0
 So many contenders this year, it's gonna be epic on sunday's final!
  • 1 0
 Ratty has Hill's number, Hill even said so at Meribel If he has a good run he'll win, it'll be close between them for it though
  • 9 0
 This article was awesome!!
  • 6 0
 Im confused !! are finals on sunday or saturday?? also would love to see manon take that rainbow jersey!
  • 2 0
 Finals are sunday
  • 1 0
 what time on west coast its Sat for us right ?
  • 2 0
 @gooseman310, according to the RedBull TV site, finals start at 3:05 am Sunday, on the west coast.
  • 2 0
 right on at work now restricted computer dont let me open redbulltv and signal in here is wack thanks for the scoop cant wait going to be up all night watching this one till the break of dawn
  • 1 0
 well since im having trouble looking the schedule up what time qualif. in the west coast later on so i can stay up and watch it after i get off work later on at midnight same time as race time ?
  • 4 0
 No quali they start according to their position on the UCI Ranking
  • 2 0
 You can follow live timing (timed training) here, www.tissottiming.com/Sport?sport=CY . Here's the UCI schedule for anything and everything happening at the World Champs. mtbworldchamps.com/schedule Remember that these times are 9 hours ahead of the west coast.
  • 3 0
 For everyone's information. Here's the UCI schedule for anything and everything happening at the World Champs. mtbworldchamps.com/schedule Remember that these times are GMT + 2 hours, which is 9 hours ahead of the US west coast, 7 hours ahead on the east coast. If you want to follow timed training live, www.tissottiming.com/Sport?sport=CY . Finally, the link to watch the live broadcast of the finals, live.redbull.tv/events/372/2014-uci-mountain-bike-and-trials-world-championships-dhi (there's even a countdown that says how long until it starts).
  • 1 0
 I don't think redbull are going to stream the DH as they have said already. Anyone know the actual link for live feed as the Redbull one says that the event will not be live so it must be right, even if they have a countdown timer...
  • 2 0
 @scottdmr
I keep hearing people say they think or they heard that RedBull isn't going to broadcast it, but I have never seen this myself. Where exactly did you see RedBull make the statement that they weren't? Did you see it, or are you just repeating something you heard someone else say? Until I actually see proof that RedBull TV themselves have issued this statement, I'm going to go by the fact that the RedBull TV website shows that they are indeed going to be broadcasting it live. Did you click the RedBull TV link I provided? Because it does not say it won't be broadcast live, it says it will be broadcast live.

Copied and pasted directly from the RedBull TV website, where the countdown timer is:

UCI MTB and Trials World Championships 2014 in Hafjell
Sunday, September 7 at 3:05 am - 7:00 am (PST)
Live in 15h20m39s
Downhill Finals

Rachel Atherton’s Worlds title last year marked a career highpoint, can she do it again? Watch it LIVE!
  • 5 0
 Give 'em hell, Ratty!!

Anyone know where the replay will be hosted?.. I heard it's not redbull.. ?
  • 5 0
 Redbull.tv says they are covering it ... they already have yesterday's XCE up.
  • 2 0
 That XCE was alot faster than the preview by Claudio.

reviews.mtbr.com/video-crazy-xce-finals-run-from-mtb-worlds-in-norway
  • 1 0
 awesome.. Thanks MrBrett!
  • 1 0
 It is scheduled in redbulltv now
  • 7 1
 That photo of Wyn Masters is phenomenal!
  • 3 0
 Fuck this is going to be awesome, love S.H reaction to S.M,that's it keep it to yourself and show these fuckers up... So many names could take this out. Sam.H or Marcello.G for the win.
  • 5 0
 Looks like Gee has missed the G-spot so far, glad I'm not the only one.
  • 1 0
 But it looks like he took a fall. Left Knee pad and shorts and messed up
  • 3 0
 might be a danny hart fan but sam the man hill will show them why he is the boss
  • 2 0
 So many contenders, its driving me mad! Bring on Sunday! I saw red bull isn't doing the feed in another pb post, anyone know who is?
  • 4 0
 On RedBull TV it says they are doing the live feed
  • 2 0
 #1 plate to last years world champion. #2 and so on to the world cup overall standings from this year.
  • 1 0
 So why is brosnan #3 and hill #9?
  • 3 0
 Awesome photos yet again. Beer on an Alu Wilson?
  • 3 0
 Awesome photo essay! Thx!
  • 3 0
 How do the number plates work for World Champs?
  • 4 0
 i read it once a while back but if my brain is still all there think they rate you from all the points since a year ago starting from the Champ and then down not sure if it changes after quali. too but the UCI website is all there to get the full details
  • 3 0
 To many team ipads....sam is gana slay this track
  • 1 0
 Ha I love it! Hill being super sneaky what a tactician. He's on a late season tear! Hill Ratboy Minnaar u can take that to the bank.
  • 2 0
 Photos are the usual excellent quality. Always the best on PB!
  • 1 0
 Hills in form , but i think it could be a minnar 1st ratboy 2nd, hill 3rd,
  • 2 0
 Tea swimming in the pacific ocean!
  • 1 0
 What establishes number plate assignments? Doesn't seem at all related to WC standings.
  • 1 0
 Last years results I think
  • 2 0
 Thier position on the UCI ranking
  • 2 0
 The photo of Emmeline Ragot panned and pinned in the air -- POD, POY.
  • 2 0
 Such awesome pics!
  • 3 1
 Stunning.
  • 1 0
 I'm so excited I could pee
  • 1 0
 So if RatBoy won the world cup, why does he have the #2 plate?
  • 3 0
 well if i'm right it's cuz his teammate Minnaar is" THE Deff. Champ" and cup is different than the Super Bowl as we know as " The Worlds " a whole big different kind of Bragging RIGHTS
  • 2 0
 Gotcha, Thanks!
  • 2 0
 Gwin
  • 1 0
 Pressure washing a bike? Isn't that a big no no?
  • 1 0
 Kinda depends on whether you go ahead and pull the bearings and clean+grease everything...every day, or few days. Getting water everywhere and leaving it there will always lead to some trouble.
  • 1 0
 Not such a problem according to this. www.pinkbike.com/news/To-the-Point-Cartridge-Bearings-2013.html

Numerous tests have shown how difficult it is to actually blast grease out of a bearing.
  • 1 0
 Agreed. I think the problems come from things getting in the bores where the bearings sit, as opposed to the cartridge itself.
  • 1 0
 u know you a dangerman when everyone's watching you.. Take it away SAM!!!!
  • 1 0
 Gutierrez in the speed trap! What's his HA? Looks in the 50's!
  • 1 0
 Painted nails and bloody knuckles.
  • 1 0
 Amazing pics!
  • 2 3
 ratboy
  • 1 2
 ditto
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