Inside Info: Connor Fearon – North America

Connor Fearon at MSA the race didn't go as plan for him though.... — Connor Fearon at MSA the race didn’t go as plan for him though….

There was a big 6 week gap spanning from Leogang to the Canada World Cup so I went home and trained for a couple weeks then travelled to Bromont, Quebec to base myself for a couple weeks before the World Cup. I trained and rode my downhill bike a lot at the bike park. At home we don’t have the luxury of chair lift accessible trails and it’s also winter so I wasn’t riding to much downhill at home.

As some of you might already know MSA didn’t go to plan at all. I had a infected graze that I got from crashing in Bromont a few days prior to the race. On the Thursday and Friday (practice day and qualifying day) I felt really tired and I wasn’t having fun on my bike. I had no idea why but I wasn’t riding well and I didn’t even want to ride. Turns out it was the start of the infection hitting me. To make things worse I got a flat tyre in qualifying so I acquired no points, although being a top 20 rider I was luckily auto qualified. I went to the doctor after qualifying because my elbow was slightly swollen and got a iv drip and anti-biotics.
I woke up on race day with the biggest swellbo ever. It was really sore to move and I felt really sick, dazed and had a headache. There was no way I could race and I was devastated. I was plate number 16 and my goal this year was to finish top 15, so missing a race definitely has made it a lot harder to reach the goal!

The life and times of a pro rider isn't all beer and Skittles! — The life and times of a pro rider isn’t all beer and Skittles!

Luckily after 4 days of getting IV drips at 2 different hospitals and a course of oral antibiotics the infection had cleared and I was good to go for Windham. I have raced at Windham twice now in 2011 and 2012. Neither times I got a result worth remembering because I had rode off the track in the same infamous rock garden both times. The track is really short, rough and fast. The times are always really close so everyone pushes to the limit making it a very hard race.

On the hunt but a massive infection meant the closest Connor got to racing was the sideline!

I had so much fun riding the track and felt really good. I was slightly disappointed when I qualified 22nd though. I worked on a few things in practice to gain some time, although it all really comes down to just riding really fast because there’s not many lines to change. My race run was good I made a few little mistakes but it was hard not to because you have to push so hard. I ended up 17th, I wanted to be further up the ranks but not a bad result coming from the infection. Unfortunately after coming into wc #5 with the number 16 plate I moved back to 23 after missing Mont st Anne and despite finishing 17th at Windham I moved back to 25. It’s a little depressing working so hard and being back where I finished last year, I have one more World Cup to try to reel back some positions.

A top 20 in Windham didn't move Connor back into the top 20 overall, one more race remains for Connor to do so. — A top 20 in Windham didn’t move Connor back into the top 20 overall, one more race remains for Connor to do so.

One thing worth mentioning is that I was fastest rider on a 26″ wheel. I can’t use it as an excuse but I think it is making it a little more difficult competing against everyone with the 650b wheels when there’s a small but obvious advantage. Things are in the works and I’m sure it won’t be to long before Kona have a 650b bike for me to race.
The last few weeks has made me realise in this sport nothing you can do will guarantee success. Weather you get sick, crash, get a mechanical, ride out of your ability or keep it to safe it all makes it hard to have a perfect race or season.
So right now I’m sitting in Montreal Airport about to fly to whistler. I’m really looking forward to riding the best tracks in the world and do some races that aren’t so serious and don’t come with all the pressure of a World Cup. Massive thanks to all the people that help me out especially Kona Bikes, SRAM, Rockshox, Stans No Tubes, Maxxis, Truvativ, Yakima Racks, Swift Supplements and Breese High Performance.

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Photos: Jason Stevens Photography. Facebook:A�www.facebook.com/jasonstevensphotographyA�or follow @jasonstevensphotography on Instagram

August 13, 2014

World Cup Round 6, Windham – Finals

'Focused' - captioned by Troy Brosnan himself — ‘Focused’ – captioned by Troy Brosnan himself

Today we wanted to do something a little different for everyone, so we aren’t writing this report, today we are handing over the reins to Max Warshawsky, our fastest Junior of the day, the words are his and the images will be picked by him also.

Riders were greeted to a even dustier and blown out course today, with the rain staying away overnight and throughout the day. Although it didn’t seem to make the track any slower, just more sketchy and wild with some big ruts and holes forming in most sections.

Greg Minaar looking forward towards the finish

Racing kicked off with the Junior Men’s category which saw times drop a lot quicker from qualifying yesterday. The crowd was pretty nuts from early on in the day with chainsaws being a regular down the hill. I managed toA� have a clean run down the hill and it was just good enough to hop into the hot seat andA� bump Andrew Crimmins into second with 7 riders left to go. I didn’t end up staying there too long but still stoked to end up in 6th and Andrew in 7th. The Brit Taylor Vernon ended up putting together a pearler for the win, in front of the homeboy ‘merican Luca Shaw and Loris Vergier in third.

Luca Shaw looking spent and dissapointed not to take the win on home soil

The women came next with Teegan coming down first and taking the hot seat, but only quickly as the women started crossing the line, the times were very tight throughout the women until it came to the top ladies, then the times started spacing out, with the top girls taking large chunks out of each others times. Micayla Gatto had a huge crash which closed the track and got Tahnee Seagrave a re-run, it also meant that Manon Carpenter put a 6 second gap on her closest competitor. Emmeline Ragot came down to take the hot seat, and Rachel Atherton couldnt better her time, leaving Emmeline with the win for the day

This left only the men, the main show, right for the start the times were really close with the hot seat changing lots and the gaps being sub 1 second. Mick Jones came down on a flyer and took the hot seat for quite some time, edging out both of his team mates. He stayed on the hot seat until Sam Blenkinsop came down and knocked him off, this started the hot seat swap again, with Troy Brosnan taking the seat and then Aaron Gwin, leaving just Josh Bryceland to try and take the win. Times were close at the first split, sub 1 second again, but by the second split Josh ahd increased the gap to over 2 seconds almost ensuring he took the win. This makes Josh this seasons first repeat winner.

Junior Men
1. Taylor Vernon
2. Luca Shaw
3. Loris Vergier
4. Niel Stewart
5. Thomas Estaque

Elite Women
1. Emmaline Ragot
2. Rachel Atherton
3. Tracey Hannah
4. Manon Carpenter
5. Tahnee Seagrave

Elite Men
1. Josh Bryceland
2. Aaron Gwin
3. Troy Brosnan
4 Sam Blenkinsop
5. Brook Macdonald

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Words: Max Warshawsky Photos: Jason Stevens Photography. Facebook: www.facebook.com/jasonstevensphotographyA�or follow @jasonstevensphotography on Instagram

August 10, 2014

SA State Series – Eagle

Back to Eagle, this time with the blue skies and the sun shining!

Eagle Mountain Bike Park had the privilege of hosting round 5 of the Insideline downhill mountain bike series. Of course Eagle is a tried and true track, having hosted multiple state races as well as National Championships. With an awesome weekend ahead all riders were looking towards the weather to see what was going to become. With blue skies forecast it was going to be a welcome change for the riders (and bikes) from the past few rounds of wet slop. First up before we delve into racing let’s take a ride down the course with our helmet cam rider Mr Aaron Peltarri;

As riders flowed in Saturday morning track walk got underway and saw riders looking at a different eagle track from previous rounds. With different line choices from top to bottom, and a dry gritty dirt it was going to be a fast and loose weekend for all!

Bikes primed and ready to go, excitement plus!

With some changes to the track there were lines to be sussed.

No Troy Brosnan didn't come home to race his local race as he was in Canada racing the World Cup but riders of all skill levels were having a blast on the weekend. — No Troy Brosnan didn’t come home to race his local race as he was in Canada racing the World Cup but riders of all skill levels were having a blast on the weekend.

Sunday came round and excitement was building for race time! With spectators finally coming out the woodwork due to the all time weather, riders were keen to get rowdy and the crowd wanted to see fast racing! With the usual suspects smoking elite and under 19s seeding runs, racing was well and truly underway and everyone was smiling ear to ear.

As the day dawned, Elite and under 19s finals runs fast approached and it was time for the boys and girls to bring the noise!

Elite women came down first off and it was once again a battle between the gravity girls, with just 1.59 seconds separating the two in seeding it was anyone’s game, Cami Miller came down setting the pace with a 2.52.97 on the clock. However it was not to be her day, as Moira Love came down to seal the deal by just 0.50 of a second!

Crowd participation, essential at any Insideline race!

The under 19s started and it was again tight racing, with most of the field done, at the top the 5 were left, each rider came down knocking the rider in front off the top step to mirror the same result as seeding. With Darcy Grooby taking another win with a 2.04.19, Cameron Heading slipping into second with a 2.06.98 and rounding out the top 3 Drew Gartery with a 2.09.13.

Another win for Darcy Grooby who is getting on a roll this season.

Elite men started and conditions could not have been better, with the pre race banter over it was time to get down to business and it did not disappoint. With Cody Barker setting the benchmark early on with a 2.03.100, Matty Taylor got close sitting in just 0.090 behind. It was not until the wallaby himself (Conor Clancy) came down with a smoking time of 2.01.11 was able to knock Cody off the top step. With the top 2 qualifiers left to come Angus Maddern came down to put the wallaby back a spot with a time of 1.57.950 being the first rider of the day to break the 2 minute mark.

Angus Maddern, the first rider to go sub 2 minutes during racing... — Angus Maddern, the first rider to go sub 2 minutes during racing…

All eyes were on Cam Ryan as he made his way down for the final run of the day, crossing the line in a 1.57.690 taking out his first Elite men win and the fastest run of the day. It was fantastic to see Cam grab his first win in Elite, we are sure there are more to come! Interesting to note he did it on his big bike rather than his enduro whip he has been racing on lately…

Winner winner! Back on his downhill bike and it clearly paid for Cam Ryan taking out the Elite Men's field. — Winner winner! Back on his downhill bike and it clearly paid for Cam Ryan taking out the Elite Men’s field.

A few riders on enduro bikes were having great fun but said there were areas on the track where a downhill bike would be advantageous!

What a banger from RF Photographics! Scrubbing just because... — What a banger from RF Photographics! Scrubbing just because…

Thanks to Insideline mountain bike club for another great event, we will see you all at round 6 back at Fox Creek for another awesome weekend of racing!

Words Aaron Pelttari (Aaron would like to thanks Monza Imports, Bicycle Express & Bouwmeester Composites).

Images in this article from RFPhotographics like them on FacebookA�hereA�or follow on Instagram @rfphotographics

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August 5, 2014

King of Ballarat Round 2 – Preview

We are getting geared up for round 2 of the King of Ballarat series, it's going to be an interesting race we are sure... — We are getting geared up for round 2 of the King of Ballarat series, it’s going to be an interesting race we are sure…

After the mudfest of round 1 we are back to the other side of the car park and into the pine trees that makes Blackhill such an amazing venue.

Round 2 for King of Ballarat and we race the iconic Deep Lead track.A� For years this track has been one which riders all enjoyed for many years,A� from the ridge line through to the berms,A� the roots and the roller coaster.

The Deep Lead track is waiting for riders on the 26th and 27th of July.

This year sees a number of changes to the trail.A� New B and C lines give riders a different choice should they not take that famous roots section. The B line is exceptionally good fun as it gives you the chance to let it go and chuck some soft juicy loam about. The roots them selves have been slightly changed as the entrance into is been slightly reduced, making riders look at multiple options to keep away from going down.A� Word has it that some riders are boosting the lot.

Kyle Coutts showing how it is done, not even touching the roots here!

The biggest change is the roller coaster, which was rebuilt over 12 months ago,A� to become a wood feature.A� Unfortunately this will not be in use as the B line (dubbed the Mini Stockade)A� received a make over of late makes for a different ending to this much loved track.

A slightly different finishing section is in store for the riders this year just to keep things interesting.

We know all riders look forward to this track and with so many great vantage points,A� this is one to come watch.A� Lets hope the weather behaves. On that note we will leave you with the course ride, hold on as none other than ‘Claudio Clauori’ takes you down the track…

Images: Jason Stevens Photography. Facebook:A�www.facebook.com/jasonstevensphotographyA�or follow @jasonstevensphotogrpahy on Instagram.

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July 19, 2014

Alpine Gravity – Elevation Gravity Enduro Series

One of the original and still one of the best enduro series in Australia, the Alpine Gravity series always delivers.

It is on again! The 2014/15 Alpine Gravity Elevation Enduro Series will shortly be upon us, we always love heading out to the races that Ben and his crew put on, in fact talk to any of the riders that have raced one and they will tell you much the same! There are some changes for this upcoming series which will make things even better but we will let this video tell the story;

For more information head over to the Alpine Gravity Facebook page hereA�or head to their websiteA�www.alpinegravity.net

Expect coverage from Downhill247 as usual, see you out there!

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Alpine Gravity is a sponsor of Downhill247 and this post.

July 13, 2014

SA State Series – Fox Creek

Is it just Fox Creek that makes Mother Nature bring the precipitation, you have to think so... — Is it just Fox Creek that makes Mother Nature bring the precipitation, you have to think so…

Round 4 of the South Australian Insideline downhill series finds us back at Fox Creek for another weekend of wet and wild racing. Leading into the race with weather forecasts looking worse than average a last minute track change was in order to keep riders flowing all weekend!

There was a last minute track change due to the weather.

The locals came out for a look despite the conditions!

Saturday rolled around and found riders all around SA sweeping in to there favorite coffee shops for a morning cuppa before heading out to brave the slick conditions that Patto’s Curse was sure to offer. With plenty of fast off camber, tech switch backs and spectator favorite jumps the track is plenty fun to ride and tested many racers fitness.

There's always fun to be had on Patto's Curse, big jumps, rocky corners and some technical sections, all amplified by the weather. — There’s always fun to be had on Patto’s Curse, big jumps, rocky corners and some technical sections, all amplified by the weather.

Sunday came around and the weather cleared up mid way through morning practice, making track conditions change dramatically and put last minute tyre changes for some racers at the top of the to do list.

It is all about preparation, some riders were dialing their rigs in for the tough conditions and some just didn't care! — It is all about preparation, some riders were dialing their rigs in for the tough conditions and some just didn’t care!

As racing started first up was elite and under 19 seeding, with mostly familiar names at the top of the list race runs were sure not to disappoint! As riders came down cleaner and cleaner it was sure the track had gone from a mess to hero dirt and times kept inching closer to that sub 2 minute mark.

Times kept dropping as the conditions continued to improve.

Elite women came next and Philippa Rostan put in the fastest time of the field, followed closely by Moira Love and Laura Kelly rounding out the podium.A�As the racing was coming into the business end of things under 19s came down the hill, with the crowd getting rowdy and commentators getting more and more excited. Darcy Grooby came down to put down a smoking time of 2.06.93 to put him into the hot seat. Cameron Heading, Henry Hunt and Drew Gartery came down the hill getting close but no cigar, as Darcy Grooby took out another under 19s podium by a considerable margin of 4.6 seconds.

Darcy Grooby took the win in under 19s with a solid ride.

With only the elite men’s field left at the top of the hill racing got underway and saw times dropping considerably. As racing goes some pushed too much and got caught out, while others managed to stay rubber side down and put down quality race runs. Sully Fleming came down and put down a solid run to put him into the hot seat, only to be knocked off by Conor Clancy by less than half a second. With big names left at the top we were sure to see the bar raised and Luke Reynolds was the first to do so sitting himself into the lead with 5 riders left to go. Cam Ryan once again came down on his trail bike and was the first to break the 2 minute mark for the day with a 1.58.44! With everyone waiting for the top seeded rider to come down it was a green light for Angus Maddern as he crossed the line with a smoking time of 1.57.63 to take out the elite men’s field for round 4 at Fox Creek Patto’s Curse.

There were still smiles despite the mud (except for whoever had to do the washing!)

And maybe not for bike mechanics who would be dealing with the aftermath!

Angus Maddern took the win, what a great season he is having and we expect this to continue as the season rolls on.

Our intrepid reporter getting into it, jumps for show and style for dough as they say!

That’s all from me, another quality weekend of fast racing done and dusted (or maybe that should be mudded!). See you next time back at Eagle Mountain Bike Park for round 5 of the Insideline mountain bike downhill series!

See the full results here:A�http://www.insideline.com.au/index.php/results/2014-race-results/race-4-fox-creek-patterson-s-curse-2014

Words Aaron Pelttari (Aaron would like to thanks Monza Imports, Bicycle Express & Bouwmeester Composites). Images in this article from RFPhotographics like them on FacebookA�hereA�or follow on Instagram @rfphotogrpahics

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July 8, 2014