gysberts

1) Is the hardtail really that relevant? If somebody takes the B-line slowly for whatever reason (messing up the line before, mechanical, whatever) and rejoins by crossing the landing the bike he or she rides ain't that relevant at that moment. 2) Given the track was not extensively used before I can still understand something does not entirely work out as planned, but as soon as that is clear you would expect some risk mitigation countermeasure. Like a marshal to stop riders on the B-line / prevent them from crossing the main line when people are approaching full speed on the main line. 3) Can't judge for the marshalling in Korea but I doubt only Korea can do with some improvement... I have seen also in Europe Loris Vergier repositioning a marshal in practice (after he did a rather impressive emergency stop) so riders could actually see him well in advance when they approached. He actually explained quite detailed why the guy had to stand exactly there and it absolutely made sense, but seemed all completely new... Most likely it is an undervalued job for the importance.

2004 BeOne PeteSpeed? ... similar timing and approach as the Honda for the same purpose.

An Italian site already posted 3 months ago already a video of the test event (mid/late October IIRC)... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbLlRTjZFYA)

UCI rulebook 4.11.014 Protected riders to the semi-final are: 1. riders with season long race numbers (i.e. ranked in the top 5 women elite and the top 10 men elite of the final UCI World Cup standings of the previous season) ... Protected riders to the final are: 1. riders ranked in the top 3 women elite and top 3 men elite of the final UCI World Cup standings of the previous season ...

It would be interesting to show the ETRTO size which is more accurate than the 29 x 2.... (I have 57-622 Barzo/Mezcal XC-Trail which is accurate but supposed to be a 2.35)

It was weird and lame at the winter X-Games... ... and honestly I did not grasp what would have changed that. Just organize the odd bike snow day as Verbier etc... for fun but as UCI event?!

Got a pair of ME7's 2yr ago to replace MP66's that lasted for ages. Originally for bad weather in particular but wore them year round and didn't use the AM5's. Disappointingly the sole separated next to the cleats so not really impressed by the durability. Really liked them, considered to get another pair but settled for AM9s in the end. Velcro strap is great as well, damaged already twice such ratchet thing on a rock (1x ME7, 1x XC bla bla)..

Finally all stars were aligned and the hard work paid off for Coulanges...

UCI lists it as well as PDS probably since the exact resort is depending a bit on the resort: DH = Les Gets EDR = Chatel XCM = Morzine XCO = Les Gets

Car manufacturers have been title sponsors in the last 20 years, only not for Teams.... * Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup presented by Shimano ? * Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup ? (as already mentioned) ... and several teams/riders had some sponsoring although more likely with the local importer/distributor: * Rotwild-AMG anyone? ... nevertheless outside the industry sponsors should be a good thing to reach a wider audience as well.