Jungle Boogie: Track Walk - Cairns DH World Cup 2016

Apr 20, 2016 at 6:26
by Matthew DeLorme  
Ahhhh, Cairns. We return to you with trepidation. Not without good reason. Last time we visited you, we lost many a piece of camera gear to your monsoonal rains. We were scared to death of everything that lurked in the thick vegetation of your jungles. Even the plants themselves. The Wait Awhile Vines and Stinging Trees had us thoroughly inspecting every step we took, every possible hand hold as we slid our way down the track.

This time around, Cairns has been playing nice. The skies have been clear for the most part, and the temps have been warm. Well, hot and humid. Given this, we expect to see more of Australia's deadly wildlife this time around. We may have taken the first couple days cautiously looking for it. So far, we haven't had any luck in that department. Be we have laid eyes and feet on the track, and that's what we are here to tell you about.

It would seem that the big difference this year is the lack of wet. That difference is huge. It made this track a rather tough bugger two years ago. Riders were fighting to keep upright in the thick mud. The rocks were almost like ice. Without that element, the track seems perhaps a bit tame compared to last time. Sure there are a couple full blown gnarly sections on the track, but precision will be what takes this race.

How it all began for everyone except the Aussies of course. At least 3 of these were typically needed and for certain parts of the trip two stories and 4 engines.
How it all began for everyone, even the Aussies, so big and far away a country it is. At least 3 of these were typically needed and, for certain parts of the trip, only two stories and 4 engines would suffice.

So far the weather is playing nice and we aren t complaining.
So far the weather is playing nice and we aren't complaining.

It s been nice to dip into the warm Pacific waters.
From the frosty peaks of the Pyrenees, it's been a treat to dip into the warm Pacific waters.

But don t let that ruin your fun They forgot to say that.
But don't let that ruin your fun! They forgot to say that.

We spent the first couple days looking for deadly critters to no avail. So instead we paid to feed this 16 foot Saltie.
Despite all the warnings, we spent the first couple days looking for deadly critters to no avail. Instead, we paid to feed this 16 foot Saltie.

Even the birds here in Cairns will kill you. Luckily this fellow was behind bars. If we run into one in the jungle we might find ourselves in a spot of trouble.
Even the birds here in Cairns will kill you. Luckily this fellow was behind bars. If we run into one in the jungle, we might find ourselves in a spot of trouble. It is the formidable cassowary.

Why have pigeons when you can have bats A noisy crew of flying foxes hanging out.
If there are no birds, there are bats instead. A noisy crew of flying foxes hanging out downtown.

The gondola down the road isn t for bikes sadly... enter the herd of trusty Cairns Jeeps.
Anyway, time to focus on the task at hand, difficult though it may be. It's track-walking time and the gondola down the road isn't for bikes sadly... enter the herd of trusty Cairns Jeeps.

The shuttle up with the Mob.
The shuttle up with the 'Mob.

Smoked transmissions and battered suspension are the two most memorable qualities of the uplift.
Smoked transmissions and battered suspension are the two most memorable qualities of the uplift.

Time to get walking.
Time to get walking.

Tahnee Seagrave and Neil Stewart beginning the migration towards World Cup glory.
Tahnee Seagrave and Neil Stewart beginning the migration towards World Cup glory.

A tropical view overlooking the Great Barrier Reef greets riders as they arrive at the start gate.
A tropical view overlooking the Great Barrier Reef greets riders as they arrive at the start gate.

Sweeping berms interspersed with rock steps kick things off high up in the jungle.
Sweeping berms interspersed with rock steps kick things off high up in the jungle.

The start gate drops straight into a scribbled line of a thousand berms working their way down the steepest part of the hill.
The start gate drops straight into a scribbled line of a thousand berms, working their way down the steepest part of the hill.

Tarzan vines have been installed throughout the jungle to make it easier for the marshals to access their positions in the morning.
Tarzan vines have been installed throughout the jungle to make it easier for the marshals to access their positions in the morning.

The Vanzacs are back in town.
The Vanzacs are back in town.

Jackson Davis was on set lighting up the track and getting bangers for VanzacTV
Jackson Davis was on set, lighting up the track and getting bangers for VanzacTV

Simmonds and Beaumont consider how on the rock gap could be up top.
Simmonds and Beaumont consider how 'on' the rock gap could be up top.

Rachel Atherton practices her jungle calls during track walk.
Rachel Atherton practices her jungle calls during track walk.

It these rocks get wet this section will cause problems. We saw many a rider caught out here in the wet last time.
If these rocks get wet, this section will cause problems. We saw many a rider caught out here in the wet last time.

There s no bare dirt to be seen at all in the rock garden at the top of the track only jagged blades pointing in all the wrong directions.
There's no bare dirt to be seen at all in the rock garden at the top of the track, only jagged blades pointing in all the wrong directions.

Second place in 2014 Carpenter will be out for the updgrade.
Second place in 2014, Carpenter will be out for the upgrade.

The Alien tree was a huge trouble zone last time but right now in the dry it will hardly need a second thought from the riders.
The Alien tree was a huge trouble zone last time, but right now in the dry it will hardly need a second thought from the riders.

Danny and his Mondraker entourage scope the post-corkscrew gully drop.
Danny and his Mondraker entourage scope the post-corkscrew gully drop.

Compared to the monsoon conditions of the last World Cup here things are looking up.
Compared to the monsoon conditions of the last World Cup here, things are looking up.

Remy Morton and Finn Iles discuss line choice in the bottom section of the track
Remy Morton and Finn Iles discuss line choice in the bottom section of the track

Something not deadly. Larger than most songbirds though. If you were mouth breathing you might choke on it to death.
Something not deadly. Larger than most songbirds though. If you were mouth breathing you might choke on it to death.

2014 s number 1 this time has his own flat shoes ready to go.
2014's number 1 has his own flat shoes ready to go this time.

Ah the whoops. They are a bit high right now. last time they needed to be shaved down.
Ah the whoops. They are a bit high right now. last time they needed to be shaved down.

The rock garden was attracting more than a few worried looks.
The rock garden was attracting more than a few worried looks.

Australia s most stylish freeracer was on track today lightening things up with the reunited Vanzac crew.
Australia's most stylish freeracer was on track today, lightening things up with the reunited Vanzac crew.

Another reminder to keep it between the tape to the very end.
Another reminder to keep it between the tape to the very end.

Uphill sprint number one. It s a punchy one.
Uphill sprint number one. It's a punchy one.

The man the myth the GOAT. With Aus-approved headwear.
The man, the myth, the GOAT. With Aus-approved headwear.

Things are dry for now which means this track will be running quick.
Things are dry for now which means this track will be running quick.

A local Golden Orb spider relaxes in the infamous Alien Tree section of track
A local Golden Orb spider relaxes in the infamous Alien Tree section of track

Things get twisted about halfway down the track the corkscrew bridge leads riders into a steep supercross-esque section of berms whoops and huge gaps.
Things get twisted about halfway down the track; the corkscrew bridge leads riders into a steep supercross-esque section of berms, whoops, and huge gaps.

Rain or shine bridge grip.
Rain or shine the bridge will offer 3 metres of reliable grip.

Cairns singnature twisty bridge corkscrew.
Cairns signature, twisty bridge corkscrew.

Wreckage from the past.
Wreckage from the past.

Just go straight right there.
Just go straight right there.

High speed straight shot through the jungle.
High-speed straight shot through the jungle.

More work is being done by these green ants than seems to have been done on this track since we last visited. It looks largely unchanged.
More work is being done by these green ants than seems to have been done on this track since we last visited. It looks largely unchanged.

The middle portion gives riders a lot to think about and hits them when they re their exhaustion is peaking following the jump and whoop section.
The middle portion gives riders a lot to think about and hits them when they're their exhaustion is peaking following the jump and whoop section.

Loic Bruni looking forward to the weekend ahead. Will he keep it together on this track and pull off a win here at round two
Loic Bruni looking forward to the weekend ahead. Will he keep it together on this track and pull off a win here at round two?

Well that seems a bit unnecessary. Must be a jumping root.
Well, that seems a bit unnecessary. Must be a jumping root.

Tracey Hannah sat for a spell while the rest of UR caught up.
Tracey Hannah sat for a spell while the rest of UR caught up.

Finn Iles Checking out the runout of the last technical section.
Finn Iles checking out the runout of the last technical section.

Wally s Runout is actually Wally s Sprint Out. Till you want to puke.
Wally's Runout is actually Wally's Sprint Out. Till you want to puke.

The biblical hair of the Ratboy in some biblical light.
The biblical hair of the Ratboy in some biblical light.

The Polygon team scopes out the gap named after their own rider Sick Mik.
The Polygon team scopes out the gap named after their own rider, Sick Mik.

Loic Bruni the most dangerous man on the hill. He must have missed the memo cracking jokes and looking cool as a cucumber.
Loic Bruni, the most dangerous man on the hill. He must have missed the memo, cracking jokes and looking cool as a cucumber.

This off camber section will be guaranteed entertainment if a little tropical H2O is added into the mix.
This off camber section will be guaranteed entertainment if a little tropical H2O is added into the mix.

Sam of the Hill or king of the hill On the podium in 2014 we ll have to wait for Saturday to know any more.
Sam of the Hill or king of the hill? On the podium in 2014, we'll have to wait for Saturday to know any more.

The view that riders will be both dreaming of and dreading this Saturday the final long and very flat sprint to the finish line.
The view that riders will be both dreaming of and dreading this Saturday; the final, long, and very flat sprint to the finish line.

The final metres of sprint to the line have been cut down by 30 meters of so since 2014.
The final metres of sprint to the line have been cut down by 30 meters or so since our last visit.

Busy times at the Fox stronghold as the best in the World get tuned up.
Busy times at the Fox stronghold and indeed the many white tents here in Australia, as the best in the world get tuned up ready for the madness ahead.

No need for a trackwalk today for Troy as he was called up for Claudio course preview duty.
No need for a track walk today for Troy as he was called up for Claudio course preview duty. The rest of the bikes come out tomorrow. We can hardly wait.


Author Info:
mdelorme avatar

Member since May 11, 2011
186 articles

169 Comments
  • 246 30
 cant believe that the organisers of the world cups leave tape after the event, my local races (pearce cycles) dont leave that rubbish.
  • 84 62
 With the thousands of feet of tape used and cleaned up, let's forgive one small pile accidentally missed.
  • 113 21
 Clean it up UCI you are making us look bad!
  • 86 31
 @davetrump: excuses are like a*sholes they all stink.
  • 134 33
 @properp: I love how perfect everyone is on the internet these days. Banging keys and throwing stones from their glass houses ;-)
  • 39 112
flag pinnityafairy (Apr 20, 2016 at 8:00) (Below Threshold)
 @davetrump: just stick to taking your world class pics. You are a lot better at that than making excuses for others. I love your photos. I hate that you think it's ok to leave trash in nature.
  • 14 4
 @properp: Isn't it the local venue that organizes the race, preps the track, cleans up, etc?
  • 133 18
 @properp: I will also gladly continue to point out the unrealistic and absurd standards people on the internet like to project on others. Seriously, bent out of shape about a tiny pile of some tape being left behind by ACCIDENT not laziness. It happens, stuff like this everywhere everyday by people because we are human. But you all like to jump on the "call out" culture trend to make yourself feel better about your own actions in the world.
  • 12 8
 @davetrump: LOL its true isn't it? I can't imagine how much work and effort goes into a UCI DH or UCI XC event, to miss a small, unimportant thing here and there will happen i'd imagine. How many people screw up at work all the time with a fraction of the pressure?
  • 49 48
 Doses it really matter? Why couldn't someone just pick it up instead of posting a pick of us leaving trash in nature. There where 100's of people walking the track. The photo should of been of riders cleaning it up. That tape is like seeing a Gue or Cliff bar wrapper on the trail. You know it came from a fellow biker. That's why it needs cleaned up.
  • 8 1
 Homer says: "Can´t someone else do it?"
  • 69 15
 @properp: ah yes trash in nature, the pristine nature where trees were cut down to make a downhill track. Do you know how much trash your fellow bikers (in this case spectators) leave behind at a world cup?? Tons of Beer cans, water bottles, noise makers, all over the place it's disgusting. And you know who cleans it up? The organizers of the event, which means volunteers. People do it or free and you are complaining that someone missed a piece. I'm sure it'll be picked up at the end of the event along with all the garbage your fellow bikers leave throughout the jungle ;-)
  • 73 6
 @properp: dude, you should go rub one out, you'll feel better.
  • 17 2
 @davetrump: agree with you 100% - BUT - the real question: Did someone pick it up this time?
I see (sometimes literally) sh*t on the trail and while I'm not going to clean up after someone's dog I will pick up a discarded powerbar wrapper and pack it out.
  • 7 6
 @TwoWheelPhrenzy: you win the comment of the day today hahahha
  • 10 3
 Now lets just take a step back here and think. I too thought the same as alex-26 and properp, but i do agree that it is easy to sit on your pc and point fingers at people. But that got me to think, I've never been to Aus before but I'm pretty sure that they are pretty sh*t hot on their ecology and all that, and I'm pretty sure that the jungle there has lots of species that are pretty rare. Ok it could of been left by accident and I'm sure there is miles of the stuff to clear up. But all it would take is some person with a stick up their butt and a chip on their shoulder about mtb to kick up a fuss and start a petition to stop DH and all mtb in this beautiful place.
I know my local riding spot always has bottles and sh*t left lying around because someone probably got back to the car and forgot to pick up their rubbish and most of the time they couldn't be bothered to go back down and pick it up.
I guess what I what to say is Everyone should be making sure they take their junk home with them no matter what it is or how far they need to go to get it and the UCI being the 'govening body of the mountain bike community' needs to be seen to take the lead in this.
Nuff said.
  • 55 13
 @properp
Thanks for the lol on this one www.pinkbike.com/photo/13190964

I guess you're selective about when it's OK to leave litter in nature haha.
  • 10 0
 @properp: yea I am astounded when I'm out for a ride in the woods and see wrappers, and tubes, and whatever else people think its OK to throw down..I always come back after a ride with trash that other people tossed out. its disrespectful of mother earth and completely unacceptable and gives MTB bikers a bad name
  • 5 6
 I bet your local races dont have stinging trees to get around to pick up the tape...or look down and see a big nasty, deadly spider sitting on the tape. I'd leave it too. lol
  • 5 1
 @weebleswobbles: good on ya. for some reason people around here leave their ruined tubes when they get flats? i pick up a few every single ride. not to mention sports drink bottles and beer cans. It's totally giving us a bad name!
  • 4 1
 @makripper: good lookin out - I carry a bag for idiot's trash when I ride too. Dystopia's record title HUMAN = GARBAGE pretty much sums up the mess.
  • 27 12
 @davetrump: Holy shitballs, did you really remember that he commented on a photo of yours from more than a month and a half ago? And now you're dragging it out to try and publicly shame him? Everyone on this thread needs to calm down, go re-read Danielle's article on trolls, and stop trolling each other. And now I'm wasting my time too. f*ck...

www.pinkbike.com/news/the-bakery-are-trolls-eroding-our-culture-2016.html
  • 5 1
 @ScandiumRider: no it was @proper 's photo
  • 15 12
 @Judson: Ah, I see. So instead @davetrump just went through @properp's profile to try and find something to publicly shame him with then. Makes much more sense. Keep on trollin' @davetrump, and thanks for the downvotes!!
  • 6 2
 @davetrump: Let's take this to it's logical conclusion. Folks on PB take your advice and stop posting self righteous inflammatory comments. Civil, well considered comments now rule the day. I stop refreshing the newly boring comments section, page views plummet. PB can no longer afford photo epics.
  • 4 1
 @makripper: for sure..it used to make me angry now i just channel thst energy in a positive way, it doesn't take long to pick it up. Improves the view..
  • 13 13
 @davetrump: you searched his profile to dig up trash on him, butt hurt?
  • 9 4
 I'm quite enjoying this banter over, um... tape. Go ride your f*cking bikes!
  • 3 1
 @MTBrent: you better believe after my recovery from surgery I will be doing just that. Cheers
  • 3 1
 @weebleswobbles: make a quick quality recovery
  • 16 15
 @TheMastodon: was just to show the double standards that are common place in so many "arguments" here. Seems everyone like to slam on others for doing something so common and innocent/accidental when it suites them or makes them feel good about calling someone out... but in reality are just as guilty of doing/supporting the same things.

It's sad that a preview piece for a WC that people worked extremely hard on gets slammed in the comments about a piece of trash on the ground. Seriously????? Is that how desperate the keyboard warriors are to "call someone out" today? Despite their love of their own trash filled tree back home.... because yeah thats ok haha.
  • 10 7
 @davetrump: is the winky face supposed to signify that you think you are above arguing on the Internet?
  • 5 6
 @properp: Vote Trump
  • 10 3
 @davetrump: "a preview piece for a WC that people worked extremely hard on gets slammed in the comments" - Complaining about the comments that drive all this site traffic which generates the coin that allows PB to buy your (awesome) photos seems a bit rich. If it really bothers you, don't sell to PB.
  • 2 0
 @properp: thanks I'm taking it easy for sure.. New bike build azonic avenger 6" is keeping me from going crazy until then
  • 1 1
 Maybe something from the forest tried to bite, sting, eat, and or poison the person on the clean-up crew and they ran off leaving this behind.
  • 5 4
 @davetrump: Thanks for all the traffic on my page davedump.
  • 3 0
 oh dear i didnt even make the comment to create an arguement, just an observation i was making as its said below the UCI are the governing body of cycling ansd should be making an exmple to leave tracks and the surrounding areas tidy. i know that its not dowen to them to tidy everyones mess that is for each and everyone of us to do ourselves. the UCI do a grand job of putting races no in all different types of riding as well as all over the world so the final word should be,

as a team everyone at these events should play thier part and keep the places tidy and not just leave the mess for the UCI and everyone else. We (the crowds) would be the first to loose out if there werent the races or any facilities to ride at.
  • 4 5
 @davetrump: I hope everyone remembers your view on this next time we have to vote on photos. You sir will never get my vote again. Good day to you Davedump.
  • 8 5
 @properp: cool story bro haha. I'll add it to list of things that don't matter... Like a small pile of tape on the ground at a bike race, or hypocritical keyboard warriors
  • 4 0
 Wow. I'm not playing favorites here.......but just take the slam and don't bring up THE INTERNET.
  • 3 2
 @davetrump: it does matter it's the same as someone coming and dumping a load of rubbish in your house and you would be the first to moan it's natures habitat and home it's not cool and us humans don't own the world or anything we are nothing compared to nature
  • 1 3
 @davetrump: DAVEDUMP
  • 1 3
 @davetrump: This is the tree in front of Davedump photography.
  • 50 6
 Josh Jesus Bryceland
  • 35 0
 I'm sure they're just talking track, but Sam's crew looks ready to jump the blurry guy in the black tank! Maybe he said something about Sam's Mom.
  • 2 0
 @BigFactHunt: Ha ha. Yeah.
  • 21 0
 Oh the Cairnarge
  • 1 0
 heres some from last race...............

www.youtube.com/watch?v=amY7JLRgYwg

can't believe it hasn't been posted yet.

hammered, flops, whoops, stolen bike, aussie tough
  • 16 1
 And He walked the track, with the holiest of intent. To win. - Bryceland 4:16
  • 8 0
 Greenland 4:20 tho
  • 18 3
 Sam Hill... That is all.
  • 11 15
flag bighit117 (Apr 20, 2016 at 7:22) (Below Threshold)
 NO chance....
  • 5 0
 Unlikely, but an all caps no is a bit harsh. KEEP CAIRNS MAGICAL!
  • 3 1
 Hope so man! still waiting on his 2014 form! he was on it!
  • 12 0
 @mdelormephoto careful calling those Troopies "Jeeps" . Toyota owners are good people that don't usually appreciate being associated with Jeep owners.
  • 4 0
 I've been holding my breath since I read that. 70 series land cruisers are iconic. I figured it it wasn't worth bringing up.


Do they even have jeeps down there?
  • 2 0
 @WolfStoneD: sadly yes.
  • 14 2
 Pay attention !!! cassowaries are dangerous, you know it if you played Farcry 3 Tracey and Mick FTW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 20 8
 happy 420!
  • 10 0
 awesome im rooting for whatever drunkard who steals a bike, and tries to makes it to the bottom
  • 4 0
 Hopefully he/she doesn't severely injured themselves..
  • 4 0
 when that happened it was really fun then I found out the guy broke his back and I felt bad for laughing at him so yeah hopefully no bad injuries this time.
  • 3 0
 @fercho25: poor guy probably has to relive it online everytime the WC DH returns.
  • 1 0
 @endlessblockades: did that guy make a full recovery? I remember he was pretty injured like two vertebrae and a janked shoulder.I hope he doesn't have lasting health issues.. Rough break..
  • 10 0
 [tapping foot & twirling pencil]

Can we get that Claudio/Troy course preview please?
  • 5 1
 @makripper: thanks mate!
  • 10 3
 @davetrump and @properp: Why we fight? So we can reconcile and move on. Peace and love man. The important thing is that the 2nd round of the WC is here!!! Let's enjoy together!!!

Cheers,
Beer
  • 16 3
 Thankfully Dave spends too little time on the internet, otherwise he'd know that one simply does not argue with certain people here, myself included. I've had a fruitful, civilized discussion with WAKi, badboyleroy, Protour, Mojomaujer, properp - said no one, ever.
  • 1 0
 Mojomaujer look like a inteligent guy
  • 3 2
 @torero: I am terribly sorry that I forgot about you. We-are-Family, I got all my sisters with me!
  • 2 1
 @torero: mojomaujer still being renditioned by CIA over the pacific..
  • 2 0
 I miss his babble to be honestSmile
  • 1 0
 It makes me cringe PB, I can not believe they suspended the account mojomaujer for telling the truth about the industry bitch. #freemojomaujer
  • 1 1
 @torero: like mr waki said,"he knew too much"was he gonna blow the conspiracy whistle and blow the roof off?I dunno.
Dark stuff agent torero,dark stuff indeed.
  • 3 1
 @WAKIdesigns: Thanks for the poke
  • 1 0
 To be honest, I miss Protour a bit. He was so good at getting all the Spec fanboys frothing at their mouths like so many rabid animals.
  • 2 0
 @properp - you can always count on my e-pokes
  • 13 5
 Minnaar is awesome and everything, but I think calling him the GOAT is a little premature. Vouilloz is surely the GOAT.
  • 4 1
 I'm sure their moniker is based purely on the number of wins.
  • 5 3
 Seriously! I noticed this during the coverage of Lourdes. If they're going to call anyone the GOAT, it'd have to be Vouilloz. I'd prefer they just not use that term. Each generation has their greats, but it's difficult to compare people who didn't get to compete against each other during their prime.
  • 7 0
 @westeast: GOON Greatest One Of Nowadays
  • 4 1
 GOAT is not premature
  • 1 0
 @westeast: vouilloz was minnaar's coach for a few seasons way back
  • 3 1
 @ldhbaker: @ldhbaker: Yeah, and Vouilloz still has more wins (champs + cups) than Minnaar. Then you've got Gwin who's catching both of them pretty quickly. Whichever way you try and count their successes though they're all three phenomenal riders who we're lucky to be able to watch.
  • 4 4
 I've always wondered why Rachel isn't mentioned as the 'greatest' downhill rider ..... It's always Minaar. Don't get me wrong, I'm not even a fan of her frankly, but hailing Greg's 18 (or is it 19) wins as the best ever kinda pales next to Rachel.

I don't buy the competition being stronger etc either...... Women vs women and men vs men, it's as fair and equal as it gets.
  • 4 0
 nico was and will always be 'the alien'. talent from another world. let minnaar have the G.O.A.T............ but seeing that over-under corkscrew bridge in cairns reminds me of only one person............... 'the evil king'........
  • 3 2
 Greatness is unrelated to sex, and Rachel isn't great compared to the men. Plus it's a lot easier to beat 8 than 80.
  • 1 0
 tbh i don't dig it that much...but you have to have a bit of attitude to play in this game
  • 2 0
 @mgolder: I think ACC has more wins that Rachel still.
  • 1 0
 @xTwoSnakesx: Well then there are two people 'greater' than Minnaar then I guess. Different eras etc shouldn't come into it either (just incase anyone tries that argument), as Senna is remembered as possibly the best F1 driver, even though it has changed dramatically since his time for instance. Same applies to basically all other sports.
  • 5 0
 Come on, you are reporters, right? JEEPS!! Hell fire boys those are MUCH better than H(J)EEPs, those are Toyota's. Look like Troopies, 70-series. The rest of the report was great, thanks
  • 1 0
 When you need a "briillo" for the car antenna you just snapped off, it's not always Brillo brand.
  • 9 1
 C'mon Troy! We got this!
  • 3 0
 does Troy have any teammates this year?
  • 3 0
 @StanMarsh: I don't think so
  • 2 0
 Barefoot? (In the T. Hannah pic.) When I lived in Aussie I wished for titanium footwear with all the painful and deadly sh$^ you could accidently step on. Also, Sam Hill and crew look like they are making the same face I make when Drake said he started from the "bottom"...because "the bottom" and middle class, Degrassi High teen melodrama fame are two different things to me.
  • 1 0
 I thought I saw bare feet but couldn't believe it..maybe a light coloured flip flop?
  • 3 1
 1. If you can walk a UCI DH track in sandals without injury... one must question if it truly is gnarly enough to be a World Cup track. 2. Those aussie-colored polos... I bet everyone as THRILLED when those were pulled out of the box and handed out! hahahaha
  • 1 0
 Sandals give me Haolie-toe so bad I need to move the thong over to a new toe junction. F@#$ those things.
  • 5 0
 This is gonna be so cool, cant wait!!
  • 5 0
 Im off work this weekend cant wait for Redbull tv live coverage!!
  • 2 0
 We got it on Saturday night over here in the PST zone. Let the beers flow,
  • 1 0
 @endlessblockades: friday night live
  • 1 0
 @owl-X: Oh for real - thanks!
  • 1 0
 @endlessblockades: so when is the coverage actually..DH race is Saturday and XC is Sunday correct?
  • 2 0
 @weebleswobbles:

Sat and Sun Australia time, but Live our time is the night before.

I was wrong and owl-x had it right - from redbull.tv site:

Downhill Finals
Friday, April 22nd – 9:30PM PDT
  • 3 0
 @endlessblockades: many thanks friend. Happy trails.
  • 1 0
 I want to see coverage of qualies too...wtf Red Bull, give it up already. Didn't they cover it a few yrs back?
  • 1 0
 Guessing the course preview and the walking of the track happened yesterday morning or the day before because unfortunately it has been raining on and off since then. At times heavy (not really for Cairns) but heavy enough to bring back the bad memories of two years ago if any of this rain is hitting the track.
  • 1 0
 Man. I love this !.. Currently doing the shuttling of the drivers up the hill. These pictures are great and showcase some of the local wildlife and views. We have received a tiny bit of rain, maybe 15 mins total.. I think Loic will will, followed by Troy.. Tracey for the win in the ladies race, Tahnee for second. The track is fast atm, but sketchy around the rock garden and alien tree.We had 3 evacs off the track today, so everyone is pushing hard! Cheers.. Enjoy the race on Saturday.
  • 3 0
 Can't wait! I'd like to see how fast they will be in these dry conditions this time.
  • 2 0
 haha and then it rainedSmile
  • 1 0
 @Slinger001: Luckly it's not as bad as lat year yet Smile
  • 6 1
 Its gonna be good!
  • 3 1
 These guys do this for a living please tell me why they do not have a serious pair of shoes for track walking?!?!
I Wouldn't risk any injury...
  • 2 0
 Now that you mentioned it I am also a little surprised no one is rocking at least light duty hiking shoes
  • 1 0
 It's probably the same reason they don't wear lycra. It ain't cool. I'd like to see someone tell Hermann Maier that his race outfit is a bit tight and is a bad look for the sport...
  • 1 2
 Maybe they are a bit tougher than you...????
  • 3 0
 Please red bull I beg you ... put a camera on the whoop section
  • 3 0
 Remy seriously needs to race in those jean shorts.
  • 3 2
 KEEP IT GREASY, SO IT WILL GO DOWN EASY ! FZ I seriously hope for another monsoon... Because UPhill doesn't belong to DOWNhill !
  • 2 1
 @aserta22..Nice a Frank Zappa reference! Now we are getting somewhere
  • 15 14
 Bruni the most dangerous man on the track? He's fast, but he hasn't won a single WC race yet, and you can't win them when you're on your ass.

Gwin is still the man to beat.
  • 6 6
 most dangerous due to him being a chunk quicker than Gwin at every split until his crash? not exactly rocket science...
  • 11 1
 @tomcrowther: you are right!! you can be 1.5sec faster than everybody every split but if you're not consistent its worthless.
  • 3 3
 Bruni's the world champ... Vallnord... let's all check the fan-boydom and enjoy another WC!
  • 5 0
 Army gets it. I'm not saying Bruni won't win this weekend, or that he won't eventually be better than Gwin when it's all said and done. One race, even if it is a championship, doesn't add up to what Gwin's done, and continues to do. It not about fandom, it's about facts. I'll be rooting for them both.
  • 2 0
 Love the picture with Finn and this huge tank meters beside him ! No rules for bodyshape in DH that's why I love it !
  • 2 0
 wonderful spread to view with a swollen knee. This tells a story I enjoyed very much .....keep up the great PB work.
  • 3 4
 It still bothers me how much peddaling there is on this course. Its a dh race, meaning down hill, there shouldn't be any uphill punches or sprints to the finish. If I wanted that i would watch xc on Sunday.
  • 2 0
 Do you see any modified enduro bikes racing this course? I haven't seen any modified enduro bikes racing this course.
  • 1 0
 @Wamprat: no but i do see a lot of dh riders pedaling dh bikes around.
  • 6 0
 @cheeverbrent: That's why they are still sold with cranks and a chain.
  • 2 2
 @WolfStoneD: tell that to gwin
  • 2 0
 Troy's twin bro helping load up? It's like a hairy mirror image.
  • 2 0
 DH bike seems overkill, maybe not.
  • 2 0
 Did you see the size of those bats?!! They're like terriers with wings!!!
  • 2 0
 They're fruit eaters. It's the drop bears you need to watch out for.
  • 3 1
 jeeps please they are called troopies
  • 2 0
 That "jumping root". I just peed myself laughing!! Go Finn and Stevie!!!!
  • 1 0
 Fantastic photos, you've gone and gotten me ALL FIRED UP
  • 1 0
 Amazing photography and looks like its gonna be an incredible ride!
  • 1 0
 Nice pics! Don't think I like that Canon 135mm wide open though.
  • 1 1
 Did those landcruiser troopies seriously just get called jeeps? No wonder you thought smoked transmissions.
  • 1 0
 Beautiful images..well done..very excited about this race. Cheers
  • 3 2
 Ratty's hair needs some seroius beauty treatment Smile
  • 1 0
 These photo epics keep getting better and better!
  • 2 0
 i dont get the title
  • 6 0
 "Jungle Boogie" is a funk song recorded by Kool & the Gang for their 1973 album Wild and Peaceful. It scored number four as a single and became very popular in nightclubs. Billboard ranked it as the No. 12 song for 1974. The band grew up and formed in the Mooroobool suburb of the Cairns Region, Queensland, Australia.
  • 2 0
 @endlessblockades: Mooroobool... Jersey City, same difference. Wink
  • 2 0
 @endlessblockades: Classic Soul Train 1974; www.youtube.com/watch?v=57oBC_WLsYA
Wink
  • 2 0
 @SteveDekker: That was a Stone Gas.
  • 2 0
 konfuz
  • 2 1
 Sam Hill and those Monsters look like their waiting for the next victim!
  • 1 0
 it seems to the best to swimm!
  • 4 5
 That girl behind danny is his gf... I've seen her before when they were training in Italy and she's hot as fuck
  • 1 0
 you typed this
  • 1 0
 she rips on a dh bike too. not racer fast, but skills and style fo sho.
  • 2 1
 Canny wait for this
  • 1 0
 Looks like a wild one!
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