Tag: Practice

Cairns – Day 2: Practice

We finally got to see riders on track today.
We finally got to see riders on track today.

Day 2 here in Cairns and the first day of practice, the riders were all chomping at the bit! The conditions were dry and dusty, a thick layer of dirt was covering everything by the time practice was finished. It was hard to pick the fastest rider as everyone was pushing hard, there a few crashes nothing too major – unfortunately junior French rider Sylvain Cougoureux took a hard crash in the rock garden and it looked like he sustained a broken wrist. Continue reading “Cairns – Day 2: Practice” →

National 1 Practice 2 – You Yangs

Oliver Zwar; New team, new look, extra speed, sliding over this rock mid track, hardly touching the ground and looking smooth as always.
Oliver Zwar; New team, new look, extra speed, sliding over this rock mid track, hardly touching the ground and looking smooth as always.

Here we go with our second range of coverage from You Yangs, no massive news as yet to report but we will bring it to you as we get it. Practice has seen most riders get their lines dialled, there are a few bigger jumps that some riders have had to work their way up to. Alternatively riders are looking for areas where they can save energy for the pedal sections to come.

Aiden Varley clears the hip jump with ease, sporting a fresh bike, and kit for the new season.
Aiden Varley clears the hip jump with ease, sporting a fresh bike, and kit for the new season.
Tim Eaton drops in on a line that some would cringe at even on a DH bike, making it look easy and smooth.
Tim Eaton drops in on a line that some would cringe at even on a DH bike, making it look easy and smooth.
Searching for those elusive seconds!
Searching for those elusive seconds!
Some watched onto see how others were doing it.
Some watched onto see how others were doing it.
Andrew Crimmins will be one of the favourites in Under 19.
Andrew Crimmins will be one of the favourites in Under 19.
There were some jumps that are keeping riders on their toes...
There were some jumps that are keeping riders on their toes…
Others were more comfortable and adding a bit of style!
Others were more comfortable and adding a bit of style!
Like this...
Like this…
Kicking dust.
Kicking dust.
Troy Brosnan would be one of the clear favourites in the Elite race.
Troy Brosnan would be one of the clear favourites in the Elite race.
Scrub a dub dub!
Scrub a dub dub!
Whilst the hill doesn't have surplus elevation it has is moments...
Whilst the hill doesn’t have surplus elevation it has is moments…
That World Cup speed Dean 'The Machine' Lucas on the prowl.
That World Cup speed Dean ‘The Machine’ Lucas on the prowl.
Connor Fearon keeping low, check out the eyes they're business despite the party going on out the back of the helmet!
Connor Fearon keeping low, check out the eyes they’re business despite the party going on out the back of the helmet!

Our next report will beafter finals, check back for all the latest soon! Like what you see? Hit the like button below, cheers.

Images:A�Jason Stevens PhotographyA�www.facebook.com/jasonstevensphotographyA�or follow @jasonstevensphotography on Instagram andA�RFPhotographics (FacebookA�hereA�or follow on Instagram @rfphotographics).

National 1 Practice – You Yangs

It's been a little while since You Yangs has had a national so there were some fresh faces checking out the track.
It’s been a little while since You Yangs has had a national so there were some fresh faces checking out the track.

We check in at You Yangs in Victoria for round 1 of the MTBA National Series, being the first race of the season everyone is keen to see where there is form at and with some heavy hitters from the World Cup in attendance we are positive racing is going to be action packed. This weekend we have a slew of heavy hitter photographers on the ground to bring you all the action, no worries!

This is possibly the star of our recent interview Darcy Grooby blurring past but seeing as they're going too fast we are struggling to tell!.
This is possibly the star of our recent interview Darcy Grooby blurring past but seeing as they’re going too fast we are struugling to tell!
Riding with mates is always fun, get your train on!
Riding with mates is always fun, get your train on!
Getting sideways, who else but Ben Hill!
Getting sideways, who else but Ben Hill!
It wasn't just Ben getting sideways though!
It wasn’t just Ben getting sideways though!
Of course some riders were strictly business, Angus Maddern on the hunt!
Of course some riders were strictly business, Angus Maddern on the hunt!
Shakkas brah....! Transaltion: good times!
Shakkas brah….! Transaltion: good times!
There were a lot of riders riding 'smaller' downhill bikes to reflect the nature of the track, including Troy Brosnan. He could pretty much ride anything though and still go fast! Check back soon for a feature on these bikes.
There were a lot of riders riding ‘smaller’ downhill bikes to reflect the nature of the track, including Troy Brosnan. He could pretty much ride anything though and still go fast! Check back soon for a feature on these bikes.
Team Giant have a big presence, some riders on the small bike some on the new 650B downhill bike.
Team Giant have a big presence, some riders on the small bike some on the new 650B downhill bike.
Jackson Davis.
Jackson Davis.
Connor Fearon, we had a detailed look at his Kona Process so watch out for that on the site real soon.
Connor Fearon, we had a detailed look at his Kona Process so watch out for that on the site real soon.
Of course there is a range of grades racing, not just Elite, Matt Kelly in under 17's cranking.
Of course there is a range of grades racing, not just Elite, Matt Kelly in under 17’s cranking.
Shuttles, essential part of the downhill scene across Australia!
Shuttles, essential part of the downhill scene across Australia!

Check back soon for more action from a hot, dusty You Yangs! Like what you see? Hit the Facebook like button below!

Images:A�RFPhotographics (FacebookA�hereA�or follow on Instagram @rfphotographics).

Get more downhill action onA�Facebook.com/downhill247A�or follow us onA�Instagram:A�@downhill247

World Cup Round 3, Fort William – Timed Practice

Those views, both up and down the hill
Those views, both up and down the hill

Today was simply a day of practice. We won’t bore you with the small details, we will give you some of the important facts and leave you with a gallery of todays preceding’s, hopefully leaving you wanting more for tomorrow qualis.

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The track started today in fantastic condition, but due to the moist ground it was quickly chopped up, especially in the wooded sections where pools had gathered, these sections quickly became rutted and changed the track significantly. Many riders got creative trying to find some new lines. The open sections of track that are generally high speed began to form braking bumps and by days end some of the small brake bumps had become pretty sizable bomb holes.

Some of the other news to come out of today is that Mick Hannah had a sizable off, and according to the medic we chatted with has done something to his shoulder’s AC joint, she says he can probably ride tomorrow if he chooses to, but we didn’t have time catch up with Mick, so we are unsure what his decision is. The weather is also not playing the game tomorrow, so qualifying will begin quite early so the wind does not effect the track.

The man of the day, Danny Hart, clocking the fastest time during timed training
The man of the day, Danny Hart, clocking the fastest time during timed training
Sik Mik getting some attention no body wants, the medical type. We are hoping to see mick back on the bike tomorrow and wish him a good recovery
Sik Mik getting some attention no body wants, the medical type. We are hoping to see Mick back on the bike tomorrow and wish him a good recovery

That’s all from us for now, enjoy the small gallery below and we will see you track side tomorrow!

Mayhem Dave, looking solid all day!

Mayhem Dave, looking solid all day!

A39Y4330

Dean Lucas entering some rocks, and looking super comfortable on his new team this year
Dean Lucas entering some rocks, and looking super comfortable on his new team this year
Aaron Gwin, pulling a dead last in timed training. Odd? Kind of, but we saw Aaron wait for team mate Troy and Aaron only completed one run, hence the slow time
Aaron Gwin, pulling a dead last in timed training. Odd? Kind of, but we saw Aaron wait for team mate Troy and Aaron only completed one run, hence the slow time
Connor Fearon, coming out with a 7th after timed training, taking it easy over the bridged upper section of track
Connor Fearon, coming out with a 7th after timed training, taking it easy over the bridged upper section of track
Some more of those views!
Some more of those views!
Never before have we seen a rider have so much fun riding a bike, Josh Bryceland turns on the style over the final hip jump
Never before have we seen a rider have so much fun riding a bike, Josh Bryceland turns on the style over the final hip jump
When the sun is shining waiting for riders isn't terrible
When the sun is shining waiting for riders isn’t terrible

Mr. Hill, looking cool calm and collected here in Ft. William, a track that's been kind to him in the past.

Mr. Hill, looking cool calm and collected here in Ft. William, a track that’s been kind to him in the past.
Sam Blenkinsop, doing some suspension testing, interestingly enough, on the old Lapierre
Sam Blenkinsop, doing some suspension testing, interestingly enough, on the old Lapierre
Tegan Molloy pushes over the slippery wooden feature part way through the woods
Tegan Molloy pushes over the slippery wooden feature part way through the woods
The man of the moment, Greg Minnaar. Bringing up is 100th World Cup race here in Ft. William
The man of the moment, Greg Minnaar. Bringing up is 100th World Cup race here in Ft. William
Stevie Smith is back on the bike, and looking quick, don't let the number plate fool you, Steve means business
Stevie Smith is back on the bike, and looking quick, don’t let the number plate fool you, Steve means business
The all new Lapierre Frame, yay or nay?
The all new Lapierre Frame, yay or nay?
Brent Smith drops into the abyss
Brent Smith drops into the abyss

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Chris Barlin Rolls into the morning fog
Chris Barlin Rolls into the morning fog
The GoPro Truck has got its low on in Ft. William
The GoPro Truck has got its low on in Ft. William

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WC2 – Australia – Finals

What a backdrop for the race, the rain forest that surrounds Cairns provided many unique challenges.
What a backdrop for the race, the rain forest that surrounds Cairns provided many unique challenges.

A successful return to Cairns for the world mountain bike circuit and what a return it was. No denying it was hard, riders were saying it was definitely one of the most challenging races they have done. As per usual there was practice session to allow the riders who had qualified one last chance to sort their lines. It was mainly a chance to see how the track had developed after the inclement weather we had been experiencing all week.

Practice saw many riders crash despite the fact they were supposed to have their lines dial to race on shortly!
Practice saw many riders crash despite the fact they were supposed to have their lines dialed to race on shortly!
Local Chris Kovarik was looking for a good result at his home town race, he was throwing some big whips during practice to the delight of the crowd.
Local Chris Kovarik was looking for a good result at his home town race, he was throwing some big whips during practice to the delight of the crowd.
The track was running faster than previous days but the mud was gloopy and was causing riders to crawl along at walking pace on some sections of the track.
The track was running faster than previous days but the mud was gloopy and was causing riders to crawl along at walking pace on some sections of the track.
The fans were flooding the hill from early in the morning and they were cheering so loudly in some sections such as the rock garden it was surprising the riders.
The fans were flooding the hill from early in the morning and they were cheering so loudly in some sections such as the rock garden it was surprising the riders.
There was no denying who they were cheering for though....
There was no denying who they were cheering for though….
As you can imagine some of the biggest cheers were for riders who unfortunately didn't quite conquer the conditions.
As you can imagine some of the biggest cheers were for riders who unfortunately didn’t quite conquer the conditions.
26, 27.5, taco'ed, where will wheel trends head next? This one was courtesy of the rock garden up top.
26, 27.5, taco’ed, where will wheel trends head next? This one was courtesy of the rock garden up top.
Greg Minnaar watches on as a competitor negotiates the course.
Greg Minnaar watches on as a competitor negotiates the course.
You can see the gloop on bikes, kits and the course!
You can see the gloop on bikes, kits and the course!

Racing, if you’re not first your last as some would say! On that note it was the junior men who got things underway, due to the UCI rules that allow the host nation to enter a larger than usual quota of riders there were plenty of Aussies to watch.

In true Australian (and World Cup) style, all the die-hard fans were out cheering home the best of the best.
In true Australian (and World Cup) style, all the die-hard fans were out cheering home the best of the best.

As many of the juniors we spoke to said, it was hard, next level in fact. Many struggled to make the transition from Australian national races to the world stage but experience is invaluable at this level which for many of the guys is what this event is about. The two stand outs for the juniors were Ben Hill and Aiden Varley, both races with overseas experience. Ben took 7th and Aiden Varley was in the hot seat until the last rider unfortunately getting knocked out by French rider Loris Vergier but grabbing 2nd at his home race was an amazing achievement!

What a ripper result for Aiden Varley, second in finals and now sitting in third in the overall!
What a ripper result for Aiden Varley, second in finals and now sitting in third in the overall!
Not everything went to plan for round 1 winner Luca Shaw who crashed and ended 10th, relinquishing the overall leaders jersey in the process.
Not everything went to plan for round 1 winner Luca Shaw who crashed and ended 10th, relinquishing the overall leaders jersey in the process.

Moving onto women and there was only one rider in the eyes of the crowd that should win, local Tracey Hannah! Before we got to see Tracey the junior girls were on course, Australia’s Tegan Molloy won the class. After her Danielle Beecroft came down in the Senior class finishing 14th. Eventually Tracey was on course, she came down and took the hot seat so it looked like it may be a fairy tale win. There were still some big names to come though…

Tegan Molloy took the win in juniors and keeps the overall leaders jersey.
Tegan Molloy took the win in juniors and keeps the overall leaders jersey.
This shot of Danielle Beecroft shows just how taxing the race was, riders slumping over their bars as they came into the finish arena.
This shot of Danielle Beecroft shows just how taxing the race was, riders slumping over their bars as they came into the finish arena.
Storming across the line and taking the hot seat Tracey got the crowd to erupt.
Storming across the line and taking the hot seat Tracey got the crowd to erupt.

With a quality field it wasn’t too long before Tracey got displaced off the hot seat, the question was where would she finish in the overall scheme of things. Emmeline Ragot was looking good but a crash undid her chance of a win, round 1 winner Manon Carpenter gave everything to take the win but finished second. It was the most dominant female rider of these times, Rachel Atherton, who claimed the win, Tracey ended up with a podium in 5th!

A colourful podium with Tracey Hannah taking 5th.
A colourful podium with Tracey Hannah taking 5th.

Moving onto the senior men and by now the crowd was ready and raring to go! Unfortunately one member of the crowd was a little too keen and used an injured competitors bike to attempt to navigate the whoops on the course. Next thing he was bucked wild, crashed and in a bad way, this caused a course hold for some time. It favoured Steve Peat who was red flagged in his run who got a re run after admittedly being on a less than impressive first run, in the end he finished 7th so was quite happy! Steve thought there had been a punch on in the crowd when he saw the gentleman laid out cold on the track as he came past.

Hamming it up for the crowd Steve Peat crosses the line for his first run before going up and eventually claiming 7th.
Hamming it up for the crowd Steve Peat crosses the line for his first run before going up and eventually claiming 7th.
Andrew Needling does the same after having a flat during his run.
Andrew Needling does the same after having a flat during his run.
Whilst Greg came down the track with a reasonable time because he ran off the course and entered back down further along the course he was disqualified. Greg was gutted finding this news out later in the day.
Whilst Greg came down the track with a reasonable time because he ran off the course and entered back down further along the course he was disqualified. Greg was gutted finding this news out later in the day.
Peaty and Minnaar sit back and discuss as the finals unfold. Scenes like this show the camaraderie of Downhill racing.
Peaty and Minnaar sit back and discuss as the finals unfold. Scenes like this show the camaraderie of Downhill racing.
Another disappointing result for Brook MacDonald who is use to being at the pointy end of the field but finished 27th.
Another disappointing result for Brook MacDonald who is use to being at the pointy end of the field but finished 27th.

Just like the juniors and women prior it was the Aussies the crowd were rooting for, it was Dean Lucas who was the first local to hold the hot seat for a considerable period of time. He was there only to be displaced by Graeme Mudd! The crowd loved it as Graeme Mudd was flanked by Dean Lucas and David ‘Mayhem’ McMillan!

Dean Lucas didn't have his dream run, but did pull off a sweet footplant to drop in the final chute. Lets hope Dean can get the results he's working for as the series progresses.
Dean Lucas didn’t have his dream run, but did pull off a sweet footplant to drop in the final chute. Lets hope Dean can get the results he’s working for as the series progresses.
Dean Lucas with sweat beading off him showing just how taxing the track was before Graeme Mudd pushed him out of the hot seat.
Dean Lucas with sweat beading off him showing just how taxing the track was before Graeme Mudd pushed him out of the hot seat.
Some serious contemplation going on?! Dean didn't have the weekend he dreamed of but in the grand scheme of things is still young and has plenty of time on his side.
Some serious contemplation going on?! Dean didn’t have the weekend he dreamed of but in the grand scheme of things is still young and has plenty of time on his side.
Josh Button said hello tot he ground during his run, here he congratulates the lads.
Josh Button said hello tot he ground during his run, here he congratulates the lads.
Big time! The locals were more like rockstars.
Big time! The locals were more like rockstars.
David 'Mayhem' McMillan throwing horns.
David ‘Mayhem’ McMillan throwing horns.

Rider after rider came down, some had ‘what could have been runs’ with crashes others beat the conditions and took the results they wanted. Jack Moir was the next local to hold onto the hot seat for a long time, during the course hold he got to keep it warm too. In the end he finished 11th a sterling result. A�The big threats to take the won for the locals early on in the piece were Sam Hill and Mic Hannah who had average qualifying runs. Sam came through and took the hot seat much to everyone’s delight.

Hill had the home crowd roaring, as he pumped out a fast run which got him 5th on the Podium. A great result despite the pressures of racing at home and a very recent comeback from injury.
Hill had the home crowd roaring, as he pumped out a fast run which got him 5th on the Podium. A great result despite the pressures of racing at home and a very recent comeback from injury.
The fans loved it!
The fans loved it!
Not only did Sam have home crowd support but he had family on hand too.
Not only did Sam have home crowd support but he had family on hand too.

Next was Mic Hannah, the man with the most pressure of anyone in the field, cruelly he crashed, it just wasn’t his day. At this stage Sam still had the hot seat. One of the most impressive rides we have seen for some time was Neko Mulally who with a crash claimed third, by this stage Josh Bryceland had pushed Hill out of the hot seat and was looking good for his maiden win. Gee Atherton came through on flat pedals, a rarity for him and pushed Josh out of the top spot.

Gee, finally able to rest after a gruelling (and super fast) 4 minute flat run, securing first place. With talk of the Mountain Bike ashes, the UK has won this round. Australia will be back to put up a fight again next year!
Gee, finally able to rest after a gruelling (and super fast) 4 minute flat run, securing first place. With talk of the Mountain Bike ashes, the UK has won this round. Australia will be back to put up a fight again next year!
By this stage Peaty was off the podium and spectating.
By this stage Peaty was off the podium and spectating.

The last Aussies on course were Troy Brosnan and Connor Fearon, two of the youngest riders. Unfortunately neither had the runs they had hoped and finished off the podium.

Brosnan comes in, emptying the tank on the 700m finish pedal to claim 9th.
Brosnan comes in, emptying the tank on the 700m finish pedal to claim 9th.
There was a lot of support for the Aussies.
There was a lot of support for the Aussies.
Nor did Connor have the run he planned, we know how bad he wanted it...
Nor did Connor have the run he planned, we know how bad he wanted it…

Aaron Gwin couldn’t do it leaving Gee in the hot seat, by this stage it was a question of who would win. It wasn’t to be an Aussie, at best we could expect a top 5 for Sam Hill.

Gwin, 4th congratulates fellow USA rider Neko Mulally in the 3rd place on the hot seat podium.
Gwin, 4th congratulates fellow USA rider Neko Mulally in the 3rd place on the hot seat podium.
What could have been... Aaron still holds the overall leaders jersey though.
What could have been… Aaron still holds the overall leaders jersey though.
Loic Bruni, another rider on a 'what could have been' run, the fastest to split one he crashed further down and ended up down the field.
Loic Bruni, another rider on a ‘what could have been’ run, the fastest to split one he crashed further down and ended up down the field.

In the end it was the last rider on the hill, Sam Blenkinsop who could knock Gee off from the top spot but he didn’t leaving the day as an Atherton double.

Winner winner! Gee Atherton did what it took, stayed upright and claimed the number one prize.
Winner winner! Gee Atherton did what it took, stayed upright and claimed the number one prize.

We still have some images to show you all from what was an incredible race!

Images: Jason Stevens Photography, JB Photomedia & in house images.

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WC2 – Australia – Practice

13 unlucky for some...!
13 unlucky for some…!

Ahh what a day… Sunny, beautiful Cairns became wet, beautiful Cairns! Practice kicked off early in the morning with the Group B practice which comprised of junior, female and elite men’s riders that were ranked out of the top 100. Conditions were good and riders were enjoying the track, however, just before midday the skies opened up and down came the rain!

Walking up to the start line and about to start the day!
Walking up to the start line and about to start the day!
A couple of Aussies watch on, Tracey Hannah, Will Rischbieth and Josh Button.
A couple of Aussies watch on, Tracey Hannah, Will Rischbieth and Josh Button.
Straight out of the gate and it is into a set of tight corners.
Straight out of the gate and it is into a set of tight corners.
Ben Power hits the corners, being a QLD local he knows the drill.
Ben Power hits the corners, being a QLD local he knows the drill.
If anyone knows the track inside and out it is this man, Rhys Atkinson, the track builder!
If anyone knows the track inside and out it is this man, Rhys Atkinson, the track builder!
Once the rain started coming down people were getting creative with ways to cover their electrical goods! Ty from Captyvate media remained patriotic with his covering! Check out his raw edit from today; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnCxSSkozzY
Once the rain started coming down people were getting creative with ways to cover their electrical goods! Ty from Captyvate media remained patriotic with his covering! Check out his raw edit from today; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnCxSSkozzY
There were other ways the action was being captured too!
There were other ways the action was being captured too!
The wet rock garden didn't seem to faze Sam Hill, everyone watched on in awe.
The wet rock garden didn’t seem to faze Sam Hill, everyone watched on in awe.
Sam's former team mate Troy Brosnan was out on his small bike from South Africa, the whole Specialized team were today!
Sam’s former team mate Troy Brosnan was out on his small bike from South Africa, the whole Specialized team were today!
Troy's team mate Aaron Gwin didn't look exceptional today but then again no-one did!
Troy’s team mate Aaron Gwin didn’t look exceptional today but then again no-one did!
Brendan Fairclough boosted the jumps down the track something chronic! He did alright in the rocks too....
Brendan Fairclough boosted the jumps down the track something chronic! He did alright in the rocks too….
Ben Hill, still no gloves! It didn't seem to affect him none the less.
Ben Hill, still no gloves! It didn’t seem to affect him none the less.
Team Green To Gold going ejecto!
Team Green To Gold going ejecto!
Boost! Some riders were not afraid to go massive despite the conditions.
Boost! Some riders were not afraid to go massive despite the conditions.

There was a timed practice session today but many riders didn’t ride in it, Connor Fearon did get the second fastest time behind Gee Atherton. We saw lots of media whose cameras succumbed to the conditions but qualifying tomorrow will tell the real story….

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