Sunday came and the weather showed up. What an epic day of racing, did anyone see that coming? As the end of the season nears and points become crucial, the weather really threw a spanner in the works for some. Another amazing world cup race, here’s our account. Enjoy, and try not to get mud on you!
Sik Mik living up to the name here through the mud and rocks. An unfortunate race run for him, an error sent him off-track, and into 28th place. In such wet conditions the track really had its way with the riders.Stevie on the gas, he has shown up and performed once again to take the win – taking the World Cup overall isn’t out of reach; Gee’s got some ground to make up with only 17 points between them! Austria is going to be a big race for everyone!Rachel Atherton had some sketchy moments through the ankle-deep rutted mud in steep forest sections, but here she looks natural and confident. A solid run for Rachel to take 1st place. We bet underneath all that mud there’s a huge grin and wide eyes!Tracey Hannah went well with 7th place, holding it together with a fast, edgy run. That’s got to be a confidence booster for next weekend!Connor Fearon had some serious rain during his run, which left a dampness to his weekend. Next weekend is a chance to end the season on a high note – Aussie Aussie Aussie!Oi! Oi! Oi! Troy Brosnan screaming through the frame, out of the wood section and onward to 10th place, and the best-placed Aussie in Mens ahead of Sam Hill in 15th. Troy has been up there all season, what will the final round bring?
A tough race for the Aussies I guess you could say we don’t like riding in the wet; “your bike gets muddy” Sam Hill, Schladming 2008. That’s a pretty good assessment.
Here’s how the Elite Men lined up at the bottom in Norway:
Mens Finals:
1. Stevie Smith 3.40.174
2. Danny Hart 3.41.815 + 0.110
3. Andrew Neethling 3.42.957 + 1.837
4. Samuel Blekinsop 3.44.039 + 2.527
5. Greg Minnaar 3.44.163 +2.594
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10. Troy Brosnan 3.47.544 + 3.251
15. Sam Hill 3.49.926 + 4.904
28. Michael Hannah 3.54.323 + 14.720
29. Jack Moir 3.55.102 + 16.370
39. Connor Fearon A�3.57.916 + 18.994
UK rider Michael Jones took the Junior Men’s title by a comfortable 3 seconds. Amongst the carnage and mud he held it together and it paid off.Dean Lucas came in 29th place, keeping it together and dirtying up the Aussie kit. Dean will be out there for the win next week in Leogang, more exciting racing action!
Will the weather have a say in deciding the World Cup Champion? We’ll catch you in Leogang, Austria to find out. Stay tuned!
