Windham WC Course Walk - UCI World Cup 2012

Jun 27, 2012 at 22:19
by Karl Burkat  
On the way to Windham in the SRAM truck. Narrow highways and a heavy truck made for a long haul for Evan Warner navigator Bryan Dalton wheelman and Shawn Cruickshank backseat driver .
  On the way to Windham in the SRAM truck. Narrow highways and a heavy truck made for a long haul for Evan Warner (navigator), Bryan Dalton (wheelman), and Shawn Cruickshank (backseat driver).


Locked and loaded Monkey Vasquez with a .22 caliber nail gun for bolting the Trek tents down it seems as if every year at one of the venues the World Cup gypsy camp gets a beat down from Mother Nature at here meanest. The forecast here is for hot think 30C 87F temps with a possibility of some T-storms to spice things up. Maybe nailing down the trailer ain t such a bad idea...
  Locked and loaded: Monkey Vasquez with a .22 caliber nail gun for bolting the Trek tents down; it seems as if every year at one of the venues, the World Cup gypsy camp gets a beat down from Mother Nature at her meanest. The forecast here is for hot (think 30C/87F) temps with a possibility of some T-storms to spice things up. Maybe nailing down the trailer ain't such a bad idea...


Santa Cruz Syndicate Pits should be right about...here Dougie Fresh wondering where the rig is.
  Santa Cruz Syndicate Pits should be right about...here? Dougie Fresh wondering where the rig is.


Paul from Trek World Racing displaying the plate everyone wants to have on their bike. But there can be only one.
  Paul from Trek World Racing displaying the plate everyone wants to have on their bike. But there can be only one.


Lukas Haider of MS Mondraker filling in rider entries for the Windham World Cup.
  Lukas Haider of MS Mondraker filling in rider entries for the Windham World Cup.


There will be an XC race here too. Canadian XC bandit Max Plaxton looking for another podium spot after a well deserved fifth place last week at Mt St Anne.
  There will be an XC race here, too. Canadian XC bandit Max Plaxton looking for another podium spot after a well deserved fifth place last week at Mt St Anne.


Your ride on the DH track begins here with Swiss Timing.
  Your ride on the DH track begins here, with Swiss Timing.


The track saw a bit of a make-over from Mother Nature and the Windham trail building crew. Mother Nature sent a Hurricane up the Eastern US Seaboard and Windham received record rainfall. The track up high is now littered with slate rock. At the bottom there s the old box drop into a berm and now a couple of proper big jumps. Clear this one and you re home free the finish line is a mere 30 meters from the transition.
  The track saw a bit of a make-over from Mother Nature and the Windham trail building crew. Mother Nature sent a Hurricane up the Eastern US Seaboard, and Windham received record rainfall. The track up high is now littered with slate rock. At the bottom, there's the old box drop into a berm, and now a couple of proper big jumps. Clear this one and you're home free; the finish line is a mere 30 meters from the transition.


Emilie Siegenthaler contemplating not the rock dop here but rather the landing. Its steep. Its loose. And it s pretty near straight as a string. With a bit of a sharp hook right. At the bottom. It s gonna be intersting I think.
  Emilie Siegenthaler contemplating not the rock drop here, but rather the landing. It's steep. It's loose. And it's pretty near straight as a string. With a bit of a sharp hook right. At the bottom. "It's gonna be interesting, I think."


Last week after crashing on her face Florian Pugin was blowing her nose. Instant black eye. Turns out she has a very small fracture that is rapidly healing itself . Determined to ride she s walking the track. I am about 85 of my regular vision right now. That s not so good But I should be okay to ride tomorrow. If I am not well there is always Val d Isere
  Last week, after crashing on her face, Florian Pugin was blowing her nose. Instant black eye. Turns out she has a very small fracture that is rapidly healing itself . Determined to ride, she's walking the track. "I have about 85% of my regular vision, right now. That's not so good! But I should be okay to ride tomorrow. If I am not, well, there is always Val d'Isere


Photo of Pugin at MSA on Finals morning. What a difference half of a week makes.
  Photo of Pugin at MSA on Finals morning. What a difference half of a week makes.


Track walk by the drop on the DH track.
  Track walk by the drop on the DH track.


4 seconds and change down at Mt St Anne. With a broken chain snapped in the middle woods of Mt St Anne . Barring a similar mechanical here at Windham there is every possibility that Bren-dog d will finally be back on the podium.
  4 seconds and change down at Mt St Anne. With a broken chain (snapped in the middle woods of Mt St Anne). Barring a similar mechanical here at Windham, there is every possibility that Bren-dog will finally be back on the podium.


Conditions are dry and loose on WIndham.
  Conditions are dry and loose on Windham.


Mid mountain berms have been re-inforced with qucik-crete to resist weather effects to the track.
  Mid mountain berms have been re-inforced with quick-crete to resist weather effects to the track.


The Japanese army poised atop the road gap line.
  The Japanese army poised atop the road gap line.


Markus Pekoll grooming the lip of the road gap with a tooth brush... Strictly for shits and grins.
  Markus Pekoll "grooming" the lip of the road gap with a tooth brush... Strictly for shits and grins.


One of the hardest things racers will face here if the weather holds are difficult viewing conditions. The dappled light at speed will make reading the lines in the track a dodgy proposition at best.
  One of the hardest things racers will face here if the weather holds are difficult viewing conditions. The dappled light at speed will make reading the lines in the track a dodgy proposition at best.


Remi Therion getting zen and contemplating the rock garden at Windham Mtn Resort.
  Remi Therion getting zen and contemplating the rock garden at Windham Mtn Resort.


And this concludes our show....
  And this concludes our show....








Author Info:
karl-burkat avatar

Member since Jan 1, 2000
600 articles
Must Read This Week
Pole Bicycles Has Filed for Bankruptcy
62702 views
Kona Bicycles' Parent Company Appoints New CFO, Intends to Sell Brand
61845 views
First Ride: The Sub-$600 RockShox Domain and Psylo Forks
45673 views
Randoms Round 3: Dario's Treasures
40437 views
Pinkbike's DH Fantasy League: Get Your Team On The Line - Fort William is in TWO WEEKS!
37671 views
Randoms Round 1 - Sea Otter 2024
36545 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Araxá XC World Cup 2024
36380 views
Spotted: Frameworks Racing DH Bike with Electronic Fox Shock & Unreleased Enve Rims
35737 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

130 Comments
  • 29 3
 First and foremost, lets hope no major stacks happen this week. Last weeks were horrific. Secondly,i want a brit to get a podium spot.Mr peat would be nice, that guy really deserves it, such a great ambassador for the sport in my opinion.
  • 13 0
 +1 about the wrecks, last week was ridiculous.
  • 12 0
 I'm pretty sure there will be a brit on the podium. There's been atleast one brit on the podium for every race in the last 3 seasons
  • 27 3
 We do seem to be rather spiffing at this bicycle ridding dont we old chap! *sips tea*
  • 11 0
 Peaty would have won here in 2010 if he didn't crash, and he got 2nd here last year behind gwin.... Lets hope that injury doesn't hold him down too much, I'd love to see him back up there again!
  • 10 33
flag Protour (Jun 28, 2012 at 8:01) (Below Threshold)
 Don't get too cocky Brits, it has literally been years since any of your guys stepped onto the top step of a World Cup podium.....years. Gwin might keep it that way for awhile, eh?
  • 10 3
 Dude, we'er not being Cocky. I really couldn't give a shit where the ridders are from. It was just an observation, most pro freeriders are form Canada or the US. I think its to do with the riding senses in your country. For example if you want to ride downhill in the uk you have to race, there are no bike parks in this country so were pushed into racing for the uplifts, meaning theres alot of brits on the wc circuit.
  • 3 0
 I can see brendog getting top 5 here !
  • 11 0
 @Protour

It's not just me is it? but wasn't Danny Hart on the top step in Champery last year? And several other brits on the top step during last season?
  • 4 0
 @Protour.....

Ok it's been a while , but YEARS?? HEEELLL NO!

2011 , Danny hart won world champs.
2010 Gee atherton had like 2/3 wins , Can't remember exactly , but he took the overall .
2009 , Steve Peat won world champs.
2008, Gee and Rach Atherton won World champs.

Where did years come from , that's all I want to know. Seeing as they've dominated before Gwin came along.
  • 5 2
 Champery technically wasn't a World "Cup" race. And only USA and RSA won races last year. I wouldn't say "years" though, Gee was all over the top step in 2010.

None of those World Champ wins count as a World Cup win, just fyi.
  • 2 0
 Yeh , I suppose so , but he just made it seem like they haven't won anything in ages.
  • 9 0
 but dont forget Hill was dominating for a bit. Im personally pulling for him this race, be nice to see him back on top Smile
  • 1 0
 mtbrider02, I agree, It's great to see Sam back on form, 2 seasons plagued by injury, and he's straight back up there, he's so modest too.
  • 2 0
 Sam is making his come back give it some time and he'll be back up there
  • 2 0
 Mick Hannah should be on podium too.... Big Grin , , too long for him since PMB
  • 1 1
 Nothing I said wasn't factual, I just thought the 4th comment down seemed a little inappropriate considering Gwin's dominance in the last couple years, and other countries are on the rise also.
  • 64 41
 The track is lookin better than ever! Can't wait to see Gwin beat everyone again this week Wink
  • 92 39
 haha can you say GWINdham?
  • 113 37
 please stop this
  • 55 29
 Gwin=captain America.
  • 42 4
 "Conditions are dry and loose on Windham."
That dirt looks amazing, come to Australia if you want dry and loose.
  • 15 13
 Tell me about it.... and they use Canberra. What a wank that was Gwin will most likely take it considering his form, although Greg is right there behind him. It's awesome to see some serious shredding from Gwin but it's getting kinda old now. Like the F1 Shumarcher saga
  • 11 28
flag WAKIdesigns (Jun 28, 2012 at 0:17) (Below Threshold)
 Nobody can stop G´MURICAH!!!
  • 6 3
 So who's gonna get the 2nd spot this time?
  • 3 8
flag DBomberMan (Jun 28, 2012 at 10:36) (Below Threshold)
 @ ryanreishripper capGWIN America?
  • 9 1
 @Wakidesigns , I don't know what you do but you must be the most negative propped person on pinkbike out there , from what I've seen.
  • 1 0
 Dry n dusty .... methinks MINAAR !
  • 1 1
 c'mon guys don't put too much voodoo magic pressure on him!
Wink
  • 2 1
 Don't jinx him! God damnit, you're gonna ruin it if you keep saying things like that. Just THINK it, don't say it aloud!
  • 1 0
 There are many jumps in wharncliffe my good sir, specially when alex barker is around, many many hucks!
  • 1 0
 @waldon83 I know I'm bias since I am a canberran but it does make sense since Canberra is the Capital. And also at the time I think it was probably one of the best tracks. Its always dry in Canberra aswell.
  • 18 2
 Whats with all the hate and disrespect? I loved watch CG, PEAT, LOPES and HILL for the longest time. I'm a very prideful american and I personally believe GWIN is one of the best, and most compelling riders on the WC circuit. I obviously don't know him personally but if you keep up on him you will notice how polite and well spoken he is. He just wants to be on to like 95% of the people out there. The fact that he is so good and he's not some narcissistic prick is the first thing I noticed about him. I say go from and I hope everyone else will have a good safe race!
  • 3 0
 That was the best comment I've read regarding "that issue".
  • 19 0
 Monkey is an absolute tank.
  • 14 0
 Hope so for a Bren-dawg
  • 8 0
 Good Luck Dylan Conte, all of your Cali bro's (and Brock) will be cheering like mad for you!
  • 5 0
 WOW, Dylan is racing YESSSS
  • 6 1
 I think if someone can beat Gwin here, a track that he will want to win the most, it will give the rest of the riders a bit of hope that he isn't untouchable. Regardless, it will be an awesome race.

I do agree with what someone else said, where was all his "fans" when he wasn't winning Razz
  • 1 0
 But the other riders know he's not untouchable and he can be beaten...... because he's been beaten on more than one occasion. why does no one remember this?
  • 1 0
 because him being beaten doesnt over shadow the fact that he has one all except i think like 2 world cups in the past two years. it will take him losing a couple races in a row for the other riders to really figure out that they can beat him. its the same kinda thing that happened with sam hill in 2007 2008.
  • 6 0
 I really like when an "underdog" takes the win.I like diversity .I like to see new people wining .
Now I don't really need to watch the race to know who is going to win.
  • 2 0
 Not me, I can appreciate domination. With all the different tracks and conditions, DH is a hard sport to dominate, so when it happens it is something special. Who else has won by over 7 seconds on a dry course? Nobody ever. He's riding at a level nobody has ever reached before, and it challenges everyone who wants to win to go faster than they are comfortable with and to work harder. That's exciting, especially when someone else innevitavly does win or when it's by a huge margin.

Besides, the sport isn't just about who wins. Sometimes I'm impressed by things from other racers or stuff you see in practice.
  • 5 0
 2 more days, a 6 hour drive, and ill be there man! Havent missed a windham world cup since they started, still amazed when i watched first hand peaty destroy himself on the plunge and get up like nothing happened
  • 6 0
 fast and dry? i wouldnt count Hill out. he trains on this kind of track. Top 3 easy... without a crash that is
  • 1 0
 Grow up in Oz, grow up in the dry
  • 3 0
 I'd like to see someone give gwin a run for his money. Im a huge aaron gwin fan being that he came from motocross and he's from around where i live but i want to see him actually fight for a championship. get a little rivalry going!
  • 5 0
 Brendog FTW! Hopefully he can finally show his true potential in a race run
  • 5 0
 Is this still in the track?
www.sicklines.com/news-images/windham2011/peateysplunge-910.jpg
  • 1 0
 yes but they mellowed it down last year
  • 7 0
 Lets go stevie!!!
  • 6 0
 Gee & Rach FTW
  • 1 0
 Gwin is heading in the same direction as Sam Hill and Rachel did... Rides balls out untill he has a big crash and will slow down after that realising that taking as many chanses as he is taking now is not worth it... But lets hope his luck holds up! It,s fun seeing him going as fast as he is going these days!
  • 10 4
 go gwin...
  • 2 1
 Yes. If gwin doesnt crash or have a mechanical, the way he has been riding lately he will take top spot, but as a veiwer, it is nice to see some other guys coming down and just barely putting the others down one step of the podium. I have huge respect for gwin, but it would be nice to spice it up a bit.
  • 1 0
 Looking at the times this year theres no where near the gap there was between gwin and 2nd last year. I cant help but think that by next year everyone else will be riding the same speed as gwin. He's still so consistently fast but danny got to within a second at fort bill in what looked to be worse visibility so i'm pretty convinced that next year things will be more varied results wise. Look how many runs were plagued with mechanicals at msa, if there wasnt so much bike breakage wise i think things would be different too. And since most people skim read, i'm still agreeing gwins a true pinner!
  • 1 1
 Pffffffft, last year people said the same thing, didn't happen. Gwins gap at VDS was larger than any he had last year.
  • 1 0
 If his hamstring is up to par, Peaty has a real podium shot here, which would be great. I really want to see Neko come back and crush it with a top 15, he's been improving so well and last week just made me jump out of my skin when he went down. I think Hill will podium here. I'd love to see Needles podium here too, and yes, I'd love to see Brendan podium or at least be just off of it. Both Gee and Greg didn't podium here last year, so they may be out to prove something (not like they aren't every weekend). Too bad only 5 riders can podium, I want to see so many people do well. "Everyone's a winner" ha ha
  • 1 0
 I love how peoples perceptions of Gwin losing almost all entirely involve him in an epic crash hahahaha, not just having a shit run, but a big wreck. @DudeAwesome I seriously burst out laughing, now the entire library at the college thinks I'm a crazy person.
  • 2 0
 I like Gwin as much as everyone else. But this time I'm rooting for you Danny boy! Get loose like you always do and win this!
  • 1 0
 Has anyone noticed on Gwins bike and i think i saw them on Minnaar's bike, it looks like there using the shinny chrome finish XTR brake levers instead of the new black/gunmetal Saint lever…??????
  • 1 0
 I feel sorry for all the injured riders that have missed a few rounds because they are missing some of the most boss tracks. I feel especially sorry for Brosnan I think he had a real chance this year.
  • 10 6
 Yep Gwin for the win
  • 4 2
 Good to see another Hill or Voullioz but I kinda feel as though top spot is now second place cause Gwin always takes it now.
  • 5 2
 *insert mind blowing statement about Gwin here*
  • 4 1
 DONT BE GWIN's BITCH!!! hahaha
  • 1 0
 If anyone is going there in this heat wave,be careful......I fear if Monkey is left out in the sun ,the blast area from him exploding is gonna be about a 40 ft radius.
  • 2 0
 Does the quick crete in the burms work long term? Anyone?
  • 3 0
 Yeah, works really great when the riders go through, stir it up, and get it in their lungs. Very bad for the lungs, slightly helps the trail stay together.
  • 2 0
 It is much worse once it starts to disintegrate - you get really sharp potholes. Once they are in, they have to be maintained.
  • 1 0
 All I have to say is Aaron Gwin was such a nice guy today when I went up to him to autograph a Redbull can :-)
  • 6 4
 Can't wait for Windham, see if anyone can knock Gwinny off the top spot!!
  • 24 1
 not in this economy
  • 2 0
 I want to go watch! Maybe sneak a run in to see the course a bit better.
  • 9 11
 Funny how people only suck up to Gwin when he's winning consistently, I mean no disrespect to the guy, he's an incredible rider, but many people wouldn't have supported him before his winning streak last year. Such as when he rode for Yeti, he was only a small time rider, now he's on top form, everyone's sucking up his arse.. A lot like football, the majority of people support who they always have, and those few people who support who's on top. Danny for the win!
  • 5 1
 That's bullsh1t, he had a lot of support just not as much as he is now that he is crushing the comp. We are all just stoked he's doing it at a record pace. If it was Gee or Hart having the same results you'd feel the same.
  • 7 0
 Danny for the win... lol, kind of undermines your point right?
  • 2 1
 Not really, Britain has at least 4 riders who get massive support for a small country ( I shouldn't say small, I was shocked to see your population). Peat, Gee, Hart, and Faircloth. We have one for a for a population that out numbers yours about 5:1.
  • 2 0
 Fair point, but Danny really burst onto the scene last year, so could be seen as being in a similar position to Gwin in terms of fans following results! You could add Ratboy/Bryceland to that list as well - especially illustrating your point that its not all about results! I definitely see your point about having only 1 guy to support Razz
  • 1 0
 one question milohead... Do you just assume a country's population my the area of land that country has?
  • 2 0
 yeah man I was just referring to mainland not territories. To spoonyman , no doubt Danny's abrupt burst on the scene was good thing for DH on the WC. I think he is badass and I do root for him and his steez but when it comes down to it "there can be only one".
  • 2 1
 Milohead, It's not bullshit, I've supported Danny right from the off, as I had a chance to meet him before he burst onto the scene, and he's a nice guy. I enjoy watching him ride, I don't support him because of his results.
  • 2 0
 You dont sopport ridders in downhill you just watch them shred and enjoy...
  • 2 0
 I see where your coming from mate but gee then Danny Smile
  • 1 0
 aaronclixby7 you might not notice it but I think everyone supports a rider in their own way. like if you know the rider you will probably support them or if they live near you and ride the same trails or if you just simply see them ride and are stoked right away.
  • 1 0
 Yeah i get your point, but i never want anybody to fail like you do in football. I just like seeing the limest being pushed, and i support anybody that its doing that... Gwin Hart Brenden CG Hill Troy Smith I couldn't pick one person to support
  • 1 0
 I don't think anyone can only support one person.
  • 2 0
 I would be really satisfied if BrenDawg had a podium finish.
  • 2 0
 for those who know spanish: "Que clase de pansa la de Monk!" hahahahaha
  • 1 0
 whois that blonde hottie walkign with the syndicate crew. Definitely not Mrs Sessler.
  • 1 0
 I am going up on Saturday, anybody has tips on where is the best place to watch it?
  • 1 0
 pissed im missing it this year and that our team doesnt have a pit space with the big boys this year
  • 2 0
 Blondie Wink
  • 1 0
 Cant wait to come watch! Should be a good race.
  • 1 0
 @ 6:17 bikini top or trash?
  • 1 0
 I hope Neethling podiums again like he did last year!
  • 1 0
 Is that broken up weed in the first photo near the dash
  • 1 0
 ha looks like it but im sure they wouldnt be THAT obvious, looks more like sunflower seeds
  • 2 0
 hill top 3
  • 1 0
 Dude the subtitles in the video are totally wrong haha
  • 1 0
 insane track !!! Smile
  • 1 0
 Se habla español!
  • 3 4
 I don't care about Gwin he is as dull as it can get. I only care for CG: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdmEDE6aBr8
  • 1 1
 in the immortal words of Homer Simpson "I am so smart -S-M-R-T"
  • 7 7
 Gwin for the win?
  • 1 2
 "I say go gwin" stupid auto correct
  • 5 6
 GWIN WILL WIN
  • 4 14
flag WAKIdesigns (Jun 28, 2012 at 0:22) (Below Threshold)
 Gwin will win like Hill and Jill will heal Wyn's heel
  • 2 3
 gwin will win or be on top 3 unless he crashes or messes up. I'd like to see someone beat him but I don't see it happening
  • 3 0
 GWINNER GWINNER CHICKEN DINNER!!!!!!
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.042937
Mobile Version of Website