Practice Photo Report: Hitting Warp Speed - Vallnord World Cup DH 2018
After a delicate start to proceedings out on the hill last week, on an ultra-slippery Black Snake, today was just the opposite with riders seeming to take no time at all to start slapping and shralping the La Massana course. Even a fair dose of torrential rain did little to dampen the spirit of shred in the timed training as riders, already well-familiar with the unchanged track, began to flex and show what could be done at race pace.
While the majority are well acquainted with these Andorran steeps, we're seeing the deepest ruts ever as tyres continue to dig deeper into the ground and catching handlebars on hanging roots become a genuine concern in the turns. The jump and berms of the open section always makes for great viewing and this afternoon produced the goods with occasional explosions of shale. Rachel Atherton was the only female rider to make a serious bid on the TT session in the women's field, while the men saw a continuation of Amaury Pierron's dominance, 2.5 seconds up on Loic Bruni, with 4:20.7 the time to beat so far.
Sam Blenkinsop gets the blood flowing as he warms up in the pits before practice.
You can see the weather looming large on the mountains before it hits the track. It looks like the worst is now behind us.
A little extra tape on the knees of Loic Bruni this week to give a little extra support of the really steep parts of the track.
After blowing up some corners, Danny Hart got a bit too wild in the woods and his bike was seen being shuttled to the top with some important pieces missing. Danny was uninjured and back amongst it 15 minutes later.
No one hit this corner with more authority than Hart.
Greg Williamson boosts above the stunning Pyrenees backdrop that engulfs the track's surroundings. He's hungry to right the wrongs of last week where he got caught out in the qualifying chaos.
Good times in good colors. Deano and Chuck take a break on the soul train.
The 2015 Vallnord World Champ attacking his first lap of the day.
50% of the Parkin bros double act that have brought you the best WC highlights the last umpteen seasons.
Laurie Greenland sports the number 2 plate after his outstanding race last weekend in Val di Sole.
Eddy Masters is a due a decent score at World Cup any time now, just as soon as he can catch a break.
Brook MacDonald hitting warp and the 10th quickest TT run.
So. Pitted. Bro.
Luca Shaw emerges from the dark woods as the rains continued to fall on timed training runs.
Last year's junior winner, Finn Iles, is clearly a threat for the elite podium, today riding to 5th in the TT.
Tahnee Seagrave checks in with Max Commencal at the finish line to see how Myriam Nicole is doing as she recovers from a back injury.
The signature tie-dye of the youngest member of Atherton Racing, Kade Edwards.
Phil Atwill looks rampant as ever, get ready to see the plate number drop away for MSA.
The look on Loris Vergier's Face when the crew at Oakley handed him the pair of custom goggles Eli Tomac wore at Hang Town.
Jack Moir is back in the game, how much of an impact can he make after returning from injury?
Just as Group A took to the course for training runs the sky began to get ugly.
Gaetan Vige trying to outrun the coming storm.
Something new at the Commencal 100 pits?
Mark Wallace braved the muddy slip and slide that occurred just as the rains began to fall at the beginning of timed training.
Emilie Siegenthaler deep in thought about another practice run or just zoned out waiting for Tracey Hannah?
Laurie Greenland leading out the Mondraker train in morning practice.
Greg Minnaar was back on track today although just riding and not planning to race. We'll hopefully see him back on the hunt in Mont Sainte Anne
With most of the Unior Devinci team sidelined with injuries, EWS specialist Keegan Wright has stepped in for some DH duties this week.
Laurie Greenland versus a fierce flower foreground.
Benoit Coulanges launching his roost into orbit. He went well on the Val di Sole steeps and looked equally as comfortable out there today.
Vali Holl took her time getting up to speed in the morning, but by timed runs was looking as quick as many of the elites.
Brook MacDonald squashes the doubles on the last open section before the steep woods.
American young gun, Bruce Klein is back, adding just one more to the insane roster of talent on Commencal.
Into the storm. As riders headed up for timed training the sky went black and rains began to fall. With the track turning super slick in a hurry, a lot of riders opted to call it a day early.
Baptiste Pierron finished just outside the top 10 in Val di Sole and was fully committed up on track today. He'll be looking to get on the right side of the top 10 this weekend and is well placed to do so.
Thomas Estaque; one of so many Commencal threats for the podium.
Gee Atherton rails the fast and rutted berms out in the open. As the day wore on, these corners would become rough and loose, and once the rain fell, extremely slippery.
Remi Thirion has tasted victory before on this track, and it has always suited his aggressive style well. Remi is still getting back up to speed after breaking his back in 2017, but if there is any track he is capable of a top result it is this one.
Finn Iles gives his hand a rest before the tackling the rough stuff.
Tracey Hannah getting locked and loaded for a roller coaster ride down the Andorran steeps.
Tahnee Seagrave throwing shapes through the steeps on the final minute of track, there's no letup till you've crossed the line.
Matt Walker (senior) isn't afraid of hitting his berms at terminal velocity.
Dean Lucas digging into the Vallnord shale and looking to get that plate into single digits heading to MSA.
Rachel Atherton takes in the view of the Pyrenees for a quick second before dropping off the bridge and getting down to business.
Greg Williamson looking to put those wrongs to right after missing the cut for finals at Val Di Sole.
Greg Minnaar fitting a brace to his wrist that lost all its strength while his broken arm was immobilized. Greg would take a few runs just for the training as he works to get back up to speed, but he is not racing this weekend.
The French were out in force today with a whole cluster of riders looking pinned from the off, including Loris Vergier of course.
Just before the start of timed training, the rain clouds began to loom large before unleashing a brief albeit heavy shower to dampen down the track once more.
It's no surprise that Amaury Pierron looks fast, smooth and confident on track in Andorra.
Last year's winner Troy Brosnan is on the hunt to make it two in a row here and take career win number 3.
Coulanges is in fine form right now and could be a good wild card shout for the top 10 this weekend.
Bruni powering into the open section, taking the 2nd fastest TT lap of the day.
There are similarities between the Val di Sole and La Massana tracks. Monika Hrastnik will be hoping for a repeat of her run from last weekend and to end up on the podium if not better.
Rachel Atherton took control of the overall last weekend but was pipped to the win by Tahnee Seagrave. Those two look set to battle out the remainder of the season.
Matt Walker gives is his full commitment.
Mike Jones putting a little too much hot sauce on the dog.
Surviving to tell the tale, Jones was back out on track for a top 20 TT.
Brook MacDonald loving the fast and steep track in Andorra.
Is Gee Atherton back? TT says maybe so...
If you didn't see Remi Thirion's winning run from here 5 years ago go watch it and whet your appetite for this weekend's racing. It'd be great to see Remi up on the podium again.
No forgetting Vallnord is a special place for this man too... The current defending World Champ also took his first gold medal here 3 seasons ago.
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Although he does say he wants to try a carbon bar. My guess is it's alum based on how it broke at the stem, whereas the disconcerting number of carbon bars I've seen broken tend to randomly explode between the stem and brake/shifter clamps despite claims it's due to over tightened bolts.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulseoKJaZWc
Commencal Factory,
100%/Commencal,
Dorval?