Claudio's Course Preview: World Cup DH, Windham

Aug 5, 2015 at 14:20
by Red Bull Bike  


This weekend the downhill racing will be coming live from the Windham, USA, and the rolling Catskill Mountains. Course commentator Claudio has his work cut out this time around as he attempts to keep up with current World Cup leader Aaron Gwin.

Chasing America’s finest down the super fast Windham track was never going to be easy. Is Claudio up to the job? Will he manage to sing while he’s winning or go down trying?



MENTIONS: @redbullbike / @claudiocaluori / @velosolutions / @SCOTT-Sports


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139 Comments
  • 236 7
 Not gonna lie, when I saw this article pop up on my dashboard I squealed like a little girl.
  • 60 0
 In the immortal words of Claudio: "I win, I win, I win!!"
  • 73 0
 Gwin vs Claudio! It's not fair that Gwin gets a rear tire AND a chain!
  • 14 3
 Same! I was in the middle of a lecture and got some funny looks
  • 18 3
 Now all the other racers are going to watch this preview for gwin's secret lines
  • 16 2
 I doubt he would ride his secret lines while being followed by someone with multiple cameras which will then broadcast to the world.
  • 19 2
 @2:20 was that the fox from "what did the fox say"?
  • 11 2
 I was being sarcastic
  • 3 0
 2-3 more WC and I believe Claudio will really sign-up for one. That would be great!
@The-dirt-farmer man, I was waiting for this since last night ^^
  • 132 1
 Claudio is an incredible rider to begin with and then you see Aaron just take off with what looks like no effort... And that wasn't even race pace... absolutely bonkers performance. Thanks for the preview guys! (ditch the chest cam!)
  • 22 0
 the skills of claudio are pretty impressive, but gwin...no words for that... I hope there will be a good camera in this section on saturday!
  • 36 0
 Gwin makes it look like the track is some super smooth jump line, it's incredible
  • 16 0
 Especially through that rock garden... holy crap he pulled away. This is going to be an exciting race and even though it seems its still mainly one line, those extra bits thrown in that Claudio obviously had different line choices through is going to make things interesting. I thought they extended that jump before Peaty's Plunge? Or were they really going that fast.
  • 90 1
 Aaron Gwindham
  • 10 0
 i bet he's going to run about 2 seconds faster on the last split simply because of the rock garden. he didn't even pedal and he pulled away from claudio who was pedaling. hence the reason he can win without a chain. man has flow.
  • 61 4
 If Claudio was only this much fun and entertaining during commenting.... Still love the guy!
  • 39 1
 Rob Warner was ordered to tame his commenting down a bit some time ago. I assume the same goes for Claudio.
  • 41 2
 Never understood the rationale in taming down warner; can clean up his language maybe, but the energy has left both of them as soon as they take the mic.
  • 24 1
 If you saw what Rob was wearing during the "pre-show" for the last WC, you'd notice there's a lot of clamping down from the higher ups going on. They're trying to make it way too main stream which I'm not sure is a good thing...
  • 13 0
 It certainly isn't what the core community wants...not sure the casual spectator "laymen" crowd wants a flaccid warner either....just seems weird to me
  • 13 1
 I wish they'd bring back Nigel Page to the booth.
  • 9 2
 Hopefully they don't get as boring as the Red Bull Rampage NBC broadcasters. That was way too tame, lame, and mainstream and really took away from the spirit of the event.
  • 24 0
 WOAH WOAH WOAH!!!! THE UCI SUCKING THE FUN OUT OF MOUNTAIN BIKING!?!?!?! NEVER!!!!
  • 12 0
 just wanted to hijack this thread and post a link to some good Rob Warner quotes: www.redbull.com/en/bike/stories/1331675213811/rob-warner-quotes-dh-world-cup
  • 1 0
 I think Claudio doesn't go through emotions of watching this like Rob, Cunny or Page, but he is pretty much emotional person when he is riding ;]
Hope so red bull bring Nigel for worlds like year ago Smile
  • 3 0
 I'm not sure if it's redbull or the uci but if I watch other corporate rb-content I fear they both want a boring Warner... :/
  • 2 0
 All the riders need to have GoPros on, and Claudio needs to watch the footage with some virtual reality goggles on, then he'll revert back to course preview mode.
  • 2 0
 Bring back robs dirty buisness
  • 31 1
 How is Gwin so fast over those rocks?!
  • 16 3
 Stiff suspension..............
  • 23 0
 he doesn't brake ever
  • 34 2
 It's like he was walking on water...
  • 2 1
 skill
  • 4 2
 No fear, relaxed and calm. These top riders slow everything down in there mind, its not that fast to them.
  • 9 0
 The faster you go the smoother it gets... until you fall, of course. So... big balls, basically.
  • 6 0
 The first thing that struck me when I went to Fort Bill for the WC was just how little their wheels actually seem to touch the track! The literally do just skim along the top they go so fast!
  • 9 1
 He is Rock Jesus...
  • 6 0
 Yea it's almost like they float. I was watching the main rock garden during practice at the NJ pro GRT back in May and everyone else who went through sounded like they were either bottoming out or about to exploded a rear wheel. Then Gwin comes through like a fucking ninja. Dead silent, tires skimming along the tops of the rocks. Guys like that are just on another level.
  • 31 3
 Such an oddly short, straight forward track. Looks fun, but lacking in line choices and general weird fun stuff.
  • 42 1
 I wish they used different tracks in the US just to spread the love to other regions and to showcase the more serious mountains out west.
  • 38 2
 They should come to Colorado!
  • 20 1
 Venues have to apply and submit bids to host World Cups. Its not simply a matter of the UCI picking where they want to to go. Its possible, and likely no other US venues want to host one.
  • 1 0
 Costs a venue about 50k to host a world cup (I can't quite remember currency but i have a hunch it was euros) so there's not many that want it. There's also the issue of most of the teams keeping their pit trucks in europe
  • 10 0
 Colorado and/or B.C. need to host a WC
  • 16 4
 ^ So in USD, that comes out to roughly... 2 billion dollars.
  • 5 1
 $54509.93
  • 7 0
 We were spoiled by MSA, so now anything else seems pretty mild.
  • 2 6
flag motard5 (Aug 5, 2015 at 20:24) (Below Threshold)
 so many more legit choices out west in CO, UT, WA, CA etc. Not sure why the UCI doesn't go after them?
  • 4 0
 Like I said in my comment above, the UCI doesn't go after anyone. The venues who want to host a WC submit bids for it. Unless those venues actively look to host a race there won't be any races out there.
  • 2 3
 Idaho
  • 6 0
 Most of the CO and out West resorts are on FS land, which is pretty much a no-go for a WC event, because any WC only re-routes to add WC-level steep/tech or features like big jumps would need to go through FS approval, which is a big process for a one-weekend event. I also think you're underestimating how gnarly some of the East Coast stuff is. I rode Snowshoe this spring and it's just as steep and gnarly as anything in CO, although with less total elevation change.

If anything PNW should get a WC race, they have legit trails and a strong DH community.
  • 4 0
 Good point @dthomp325 - Windham is not indicative of the level of difficulty that the East Coast has (MSA proves this). While any venue can apply to host a World Cup, Windham (for better or worse) has seized a spot on the calendar. Big mountains do not equal awesome, technical riding. While I agree that there are for sure some better spots out West than Windham, it would definitely be a mistake to say that there aren't way more rowdy tracks on the East (especially upstate or in Vermont) that would be a better showcase for "real" downhill world cup.
  • 1 1
 Moral of the story is we need a wc down rampage
  • 5 0
 this track is "natural and rough"... they should add a section of 70's bush.
  • 7 1
 After reading the article on PB last year on Pinkbike about Windham, I don't think anyone has a right to criticize the track. The people behind bringing a WC race to America have put in hours and hours of work to make it happen. Dealing with the UCI is most likely a headache and at the same time trying to make it a profitable venture can't be easy either.
  • 4 0
 Yeah id say east coast riding is some of the most technical in America. The stuff i road at Mountain Creek was pretty gnarly. Also you have to remember that teams can fly straight into NY and then drive up to Windham. Going to CO would be another 5 hour flight to get to the races which takes time and money as well as a toll on the riders.
  • 1 0
 There was a good article last year (on PB I think?) about what it takes and what is required of a venue to host a WC event. No surprise but sounded like a huge pain in the a$$, as the UCI is well-endowed.
  • 1 0
 Can someone link that article? The pinkbike search is terrible.
  • 1 0
 As for the teams keeping their kit in Europe, they manage to get all aver the place for the EWS alright.
  • 1 0
 found the link: www.pinkbike.com/news/east-bound-and-down-the-world-cup-interview-2014.html
  • 24 0
 Is he actually going to jump them?
HE IS!!
And so did I.
HAHAAAAAA!!!
--
The audio is always just as exciting as the video, a real rollercoaster! Keep 'em comin'!
  • 20 0
 Cant wait to see this in person. This is gonne be my first world cup race... so excited!!!
  • 19 1
 Gwin drops Claudio like a bad habit in the rock garden while barely even trying. Insane talent.
  • 4 0
 I want to see gwin on Goats Gully.
  • 15 0
 When is he going to do one with the Rat?

Do it Claudio
  • 2 0
 the Rat will probably snatch Claudio's cam and start shooting Claudio from behind .. lol
  • 13 0
 Claudio you are the king of the course previews
  • 10 0
 now thats the frequency i want to see claudios course previews pop up in the headlines all the time!
  • 7 1
 I have to eat humble pie big time with Gwin. I couldn't like him because he was a yank and he was winning everything. Over time though I have had to admit he's a truly epic rider. It pains me to say it!!! Ha ha. The chainless run was the final nail in the coffin- he basically shut me and a load of critics the hell up with that run! Good on him I say.
  • 5 0
 acceptance is the first step.....people loose their objectivity for silly reasons like emotions, when logic will tell you different. He did not win all those races by luck!!!
  • 9 1
 Did anyone else see Gwin throw a little one hander around 3:20?
  • 2 1
 Yup
  • 6 0
 Despite all the complaints about this track, it actually looks pretty good this year!
  • 6 0
 Always great to watch, even better to listen too... Love it!
  • 7 1
 Sounds like Claudio has a man crush on Aaron Gwin.
  • 2 0
 Respect!
  • 6 1
 "FIRECRACKER SECTION GAH GAH GAH GAH GUH"
  • 5 0
 Well, he's havin fun while im struggling....
  • 4 1
 Anyone want to place bets on who Gee will fight this race? I thought I heard Claudio say Gee and Gwen already have a little beef going.
  • 2 0
 Wait what..?
  • 3 1
 Gee fought Rat boy at MSA. Then Sam Dale sucker punched Gee while fans were holding him back.
  • 1 4
 Honestly, saw that coming from a mile away. He seems the type to take shiz waaaaaay to seriously.
  • 4 1
 This is the third time I have seen comments like this. I assumed it was nonsense. Can someone please tell the truth!
  • 4 1
 Maybe DH needs paparazzi...
  • 1 1
 I always liked "I know we're cool."
  • 4 0
 How Claudio can keep up the commentary on these previews will never cease to amaze me!
  • 4 0
 Uh oh, 2nd Claudio preview to not work on mobile; player doesn't load. Bad trend here!
  • 3 2
 claudio course previews deserve better than your damn phone!
  • 3 0
 Sorry, not everyone owns a house, a tv, a desktop, and internet at the house to connect em all. Just confused why they've always worked aside from past two.
  • 5 0
 Gwin for the Win!!!!
  • 4 1
 I would kill to see Claudio on a race some day..it would be sooo fucking interesting!
  • 1 0
 Didn't he race in the World Champs a couple years ago?
  • 2 0
 There is a legends category at the final round of the BDS at antur stiniog, Claudio should race in it!
  • 3 1
 Well he was Swiss champ for quite a while and I can't imagine he's much slower now
  • 2 0
 While he is a proven champion and ex-world cup racer, I highly doubt he could qualify today. The level of riding (just in the past 5 years) has gotten so absolutely insane that fast guys like Remy Metallier get 97th at MSA and miss qualifying. This is no slight against Claudio, just recognition of how fast current racers have become.
  • 5 1
 While Remy Metallier seems to be a bloody animal on the bike, he looks damn fast and pinned, that does not necessarily mean he is fast on the clock. I doubt if Aaron Gwin would look as fast on Burning Whistler Bike Park video. To me Gwin looks slow in general... not on the clock though. I think @TEAM-ROBOT explained it very well when he compared Apples to Oranges
  • 2 1
 he wasn't at the top of the wc circuit when he was actually...doubt he'd put up much of a fight against today's dh'ers.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns troy brosnan looks really fast in the "in the know" video, so i'm pretty sure Aaron gwin would also look fast.

I think looking fast in videos require some of the following : moving a lot on the bike (cf lacondeguy and other freeriders), riding "out of control"/aggressively (cf remi, remy, fearon etc) but being fast actually can also really help (cf troy brosnan, ratboy etc)
  • 1 0
 Can't really judge Remy's WC pace yet as he crashed in the MSA quallies. He's racing Windham this weekend so hopefully we'll get some better insight into his speed on a track that he doesn't ride almost daily. Regardless, love Remy, love Claudio, and I'm rooting for Bruni.
  • 3 0
 How can any another announcer compete with that? you can't!! Nice work Claudio!
  • 1 0
 I thought Tracey Hannah did a pretty good job and was really entertaining. Would like to see another from her, as it lends a whole other perspective. But yeah, Claudio is just a pure riot and never disappoints.
  • 3 0
 Yeah Tracey's was great too, I agree.
  • 4 0
 can we get Claudio to do a preview of the fest series!
  • 3 1
 "I hope he slows down thru this rock gard...that is crazy speed!"
Sums up the whole run, good job on you Claudio for keeping up as you did...out of breath
  • 1 1
 gwin waited for him I'm sure.
  • 1 0
 Can't wait to see this in person, heading up to Windham after work today and staying on the mountain through the weekend. Also racing the XC course on Saturday (local NY series).
  • 4 0
 THE DUDE CAN'T EVEN PRETEND TO RIDE SLOW
  • 4 0
 "This is kind of an awkward jump...well not for him"
  • 3 0
 Dream weekend coming up! WC DH on Sat, then 30 min away and it's Plattekill on Sunday! That's a winning weekend for me!
  • 2 0
 I do not believe this is the best DH track that can be found in America, but I do not get to ride it anyway So hope racers have some fun riding it?
  • 2 0
 It probably isn't the best, but it is the one that put in a bid, was willing to shut down the mountain for the circus to come to town and was able to provide the facilities needed.
  • 2 0
 I love this format. I also love Claudios honesty and Gwinn`s majesty on the trail. If only more vidz were made like this.
  • 1 0
 I would actually still be excited to just listen to Claudio course previews haha... awesome stuff as always, never disappoints
  • 1 0
 Track looks legit, times will be tight for sure but who cares after watching that! Thank you Claudio and Aaron that was entertaining fo sho!
  • 1 0
 Claudio not talking quite as much haha, loved to see him try and keep up. Gwin is on another level.
  • 4 2
 Perfect time for a break... Thanks for that Claudio!
  • 2 0
 A lot shorter track than last week. Times will be tight!
  • 2 0
 Best thing about this race....Missy is back!!!!
  • 2 0
 Please stop using the session go pro, it totally sucks
  • 2 0
 You have to download the video and stabilize yourself
  • 1 0
 As said above... Not working on mobile / iPad, like the last one.... Not great. Seen it on PC. Loved it.
  • 1 0
 i love the IAJUJUJUJUUU!! after a big jump
  • 1 0
 2:20- Yagtgatgadt.....dajt !
  • 2 1
 Aaron Gwin is going to win.
  • 1 0
 he gave claudio the advantage of keeping his chain on!! ah ah
  • 1 0
 i wondered all week when this video was going to pop up. awesome!
  • 1 0
 What was Claudio about to say about Gwin??
  • 6 7
 claudio... so funny in the course preview so boring in the live commentary ! Frown
  • 1 0
 I think he's been improving over the course of the season. It's not really a natural thing: watching a video and talking about it to noone in particular.
  • 1 0
 F@$^&ng gwintastic!
  • 1 0
 Gotta love these
  • 1 1
 god i hate redbull tv. soo slowww
  • 1 1
 why is the redbull player so sloooooow?
  • 1 0
 Seriously. FFS, not everyone has lightning speed internet access. Who the heck still produces media on a player that won't spool? I'm still waiting for last weeks course preview to load!!!
  • 1 3
 I hate this Red Bull media player, just use youtube please.
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