World Cup 6 – Leogang – Qualifying

It appears the whole downhill mountain bike world is focusing in on a quaint little town in Austria known as Leogang!

So Saturday practice and qualifying has just added more uncertainty to how the 2013 World Cup season is going to finish. Big news is Stevie Smith qualified first, with Mic Hannah second and Gee Atherton third, the gap between Gee and Stevie is now just 3 points in Stevie’s favour, winner takes all come race day now!

fastest in qualifying, has Stevie Smith now become the favourite? We would say it is still too close to call. — Fastest in qualifying, has Stevie Smith now become the favourite? We would say it is still too close to call.

It wasn’t just the Steve and Gee show though, there were plenty of other plots running through the day. Crashes being one of the biggest sub plots, Greg Minnaar is definitely out, Sam Hill broke the timingA�beam during qualifying but didn’t do a run so he can compete in finals but it doesn’t seem likely, Danny Hart had an over the bars experience as he was trying a new line, unfortunately he has hurt his hands and also appears he is out. The overall positions from 3rd down becomes even more wide open.

A season ending moment for Danny Hart, over the bars into the rocks cutting up his hands and yes he was wearing gloves! — Possibly a season ending moment for Danny Hart, over the bars into the rocks cutting up his hands and yes he was wearing gloves!

For a 'bike park' track there were plenty of people having moments all the way down the course. — For a ‘bike park’ track there were plenty of people having moments all the way down the course.

Looking at qualifying times and results revealed the following;

1. Stevie Smith 3.30.029

2. Mic Hannah 3.31.242 + 1.213

3. Gee Atherton 3.31.292 + 1.263

4. Loic Bruni 3.31.964 + 1.935

5. Sam Blenkinsop 3.33.279 + 3.250

…

6. Troy Brosnan 3.34.054 + 4.025

13. Connor Fearon 3.38.017 + 7.988

50. Jack Moir 3.43.618 + 13.589

69. David McMillan 3.46.616 + 16.587

121. Sean McCarroll 3.57.681 + 27.652

DNF. Sam Hill (protected rider still qualifies for final).

Troy Brosnan claims 6th during qualifying and is one of the riders in a real battle to improve their overall position as injuries mean others won't be racing. — Troy Brosnan claims 6th during qualifying and is one of the riders in a real battle to improve their overall position as injuries mean others won’t be racing.

Of course we are watching juniors with just as much interest to see if Dean Lucas can bring the Junior Overall World Cup trophy back home to Australia. A strong qualifier in third means it will come down to finals, Australia is cheering for you Dean!

Fastest junior qualifier, Noel Niederberger, on course. Only once the final junior is down will the overall result be known!

Third in qualifying, Dean has raced this course last year for World Champs so he knows what needs to happen and where.

Of course there is also a race for the women’s title too! Rachel Atherton has to finish in the top 14 if second place rider Emmeline Ragot wins to secure the overall.

There is a lot of pressure in the Atherton camp as both Gee and Rachel are fighting for the overall.

Tracey Hannah taking care of business in the rock garden, a solid qualifier in 9th, expect more come finals though.

Yeah Connor! 13th place in qualifying for Mr Fearon, a top 20 finish here would be a great finish to the season for him.

The final race of the season has all the trademarks of being an epic blockbuster, not long until we find out now! Check back soon.

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September 22, 2013

World Cup 6 – Leogang – Practice Day 1

Back in the mountains proper, there is no shortage of views to be had all the way down the track. As always with the mountainous venues we go to the weather can change in an instant. — Back in the mountains proper, there is no shortage of views to be had all the way down the track. As always with all the mountainous venues we go to the weather can change in an instant.

Here we go, the final World Cup for 2013. We are back in Leogang, Austria – the host of the 2012 World Championships, to a track that hasn’t changed much from last years race. The big focus will be on the battle for the overall World Cup title between Gee Atherton, who is leading the series by just 17 points and Stevie Smith. We expect it to be close, real close, this is track isn’t the most technical and we expect racing to be tight. The top part of the track features plenty ofA�’bike park’ moments – well it is a bike park! So hardpack surfaces, big wooden berms, and jumps that need to be squashed as the riders are going way too fast. Other notable features on the track include some big jumps mid way down, a few rock gardens and a huge shoot into theA�finish line! To give you some idea of the overall nature of the track Stevie Smith has his World Champs bike primed and ready if he feels the need for it.

Tracey Hannah railing one of the wooden features on the track.

A few strange events have already occurred this weekend, none related to what the riders have been doing! First of all there is no timed practice as the schedule couldn’t fit it in?! The organisers appear to be flat out as there is still some work going on/near the track as riders are practicing, this is common occurrence but here we are seeing chainsaws clearing branches, etc for the cameras.

The other Hannah, Mic rails the same corner, with his form of late Mic has to be a real contender here in Austria.

Back to the riding though and some pretty big news floating around the pits that Sam Hill and Greg Minnaar may have both crashed hard enough to rule themselves out of the race, we didn’t see it but if this is the case the overall will really open up with these two out of contention – more news as we get it.

Sam Hill was looking good on track, currently sitting 5th overall word around the pits is he (and Greg Minnaar who is 3rd overall) may have suffered knee injuries.

Talking about injuries, Leogang hasn't been kind to Troy Brosnan over the past few years but he is going to make a mends of that this weekend. — Talking about injuries, Leogang hasn’t been kind to Troy Brosnan over the past few years but he is going to make a mends of that this weekend.

An interesting few days lie ahead, already there has been a lot of action, check back soon.

That view! Distracting for everyone, well hopefully not the riders!

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September 21, 2013

Inside Info: Connor Fearon – Hafjell

A slight break since the Mont Sainte Anne World Cup saw Connor off to another awesome Canadian race - Crankworx before heading back to the World Cups. — A slight gap between World Cups after the Mont Sainte Anne World Cup saw Connor off to another awesome Canadian race – Crankworx, before heading to Norway to continue the season.

After Mont Saint Anne World Cup there was about a month gap until the Norway World Cup. In this time I went to Whistler and raced in Crankworx where I scored a 2^nd place in dual slalom and 10^th in the Canadian open. After the event was open I stayed there for a couple weeks riding with my friends from home. This was refreshing to take time off from the world cups and racing in general to just have fun and hang out.

Last year for some reason I didna��t really like the track. There are a few good bike park turns which I like but all the technical sections were awkward slippery rock gardens. This year it was really dry and therefore I liked it a lot better. I was feeling really good in practice straight away. Ia��ve been changing my shock setup a lot recently between a 350 and 400 spring. Sometimes Ia��ll swap back and forwards a few times at a race but here I felt comfortable on the 400 in my first run so it stayed like that.

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 support is super important right now!

I was really excited for qualifying and was confident and not too nervous. Unluckily for me I got caught off my line less than a minute into my run and hit my derailleur into a rock which got my chain jammed. This meant I had to coast the rest of the track and actually having to scoot some sections I thought I wouldna��t even qualify. I ended up 55^th and I was left pretty sad thinking of how I could have qualified.

When it came to race day it started to rain heavily. This was not to my discretion and I was a little disappointed as I know Ia��d be stronger in the dusty conditions then in the wet. My practice runs in the morning were pretty good. I didna��t push it too much and tried to keep the same lines I was riding in the dry. In conditions like this every rider is faced with a decision to attack really hard at a high risk of crashing or just try to stay on the bike because a lot of people will crash. I think I opted for the latter but maybe took it too easy. After a couple of bad choices to pull tear offs and a costly mistake in the main rock garden my hopes of a good result here were gone. I ended up 39^th which is a disappointing result. Luckily Ia��m still in the top 30 overall and will try to improve it as much as possible in Leogang.

September 18, 2013

World Cup 5 – Hafjell – Finals

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 had its way with the riders. — 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. — 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, edgey run. This has got to be a confidence booster for next weekend! — 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!

Troy Brosnan screaming through here, out of the wood section and onward to 10th place, and the best-placed Aussie in Mens ahead of Sam Hill in 15th. — 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

a��

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. — 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!

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September 16, 2013

World Cup 5 – Hafjell – Practice Day 2

As the climax of the Norway World Cup round approaches, riders had their final full day of practice. Overcast weather loomed, while the riders made late line decisions and showed off their ever-impressive race pace!

After claiming the title of 2013 World Champion, Rachel Atherton is just as fast this weekend. Here she sends it amongst the breathtaking Norwegian scenery. — After claiming the title of 2013 World Champion, Rachel Atherton is just as fast this weekend. Here she’s focused, before the breathtaking Norwegian scenery.

What's in the Atherton's water? Dan looks crazy fast through this flat corner on, definitely on the pace — What’s in the Atherton’s water? Dan looks crazy fast through this flat corner on, definitely on the pace! Both wheels in the air and leg out moto-style, this is the confidence riders aspire to hold on the bike!

The Hannah couple are both racing this weekend, but only Tracey took advantage of practice. Polygon has really staked its claim as a World Cup bike this season! — The Hannah couple are both racing this weekend, but only Tracey took advantage of practice. Polygon has really staked its claim as a World Cup bike this season, as have the Hannahs – we’ll be cheering loudest for our Aussie riders this weekend!

Greg Minnaar too, is flying off the back of a World Champs title. will this weekend be another notch on the bed? — Greg Minnaar is also flying off the back of a World Champs title. He’s definitely performing just as well as any other rider on the course. Will this weekend be another notch on the belt of 2013?

A big style check compared to Dan, but Steve Smith has his eyes on the prize. Stevie's riding on pace here in Norway, it's going to close racing tomorrow! — A big style check compared to Dan, but Steve Smith has his eyes on the prize. Stevie’s riding on pace here in Norway, it’s going to close racing tomorrow!

Wide open, sideways drifting is one way to keep your speed in check, but even better, it looks awesome! We'll see what those in the know think come racing. — Wide open, sideways drifting is one way to keep your speed in check, but even better, it looks awesome!
We’ll see what those in the know think come racing.

More excitement and action from Hafjell tomorrow. In the meatime, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more photos and exclusive content.

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September 15, 2013

World Cup 5 – Hafjell – Qualifying

A fresh set of stripes for the newly crowned World Champ, Rachel Atherton put down a strong display in qualifying to take first place by just under a second. Emmeline Ragot and her 27.5" wheeled Lapierre right behind her! — A fresh set of stripes for the newly crowned World Champ, Rachel Atherton put down a strong display in qualifying to take first place by just under a second. Emmeline Ragot and her 27.5″ wheeled Lapierre right behind her!

Well qualifying here in Norway has revealed a super tight field with the top 10 being separated by less than 5 seconds! In the end it was another dominant performance by the Athertons with Gee and Rachel sitting atop of their respective classes.

The man to beat in the World Cup series this year, Gee Atherton, took the fastest qualifying spot by just over 0.1 seconds, he will have to throw down faster come Sunday to keep the rest of the pack from bettering him.

Mens Qualifying:

1. Gee Atherton 3.30.051

2. Mik Hannah 3.30.161 + 0.110

3. Loic Bruni 3.31.888 + 1.837

4. Greg Minnaar 3.32.578 + 2.527

5. Stevie Smith 3.32.645 +2.594

…

6. Troy Brosnan 3.33.302 + 3.251

10. Sam Hill 3.34.955 + 4.904

43. Jack Moir 3.44.771 + 14.720

55. Connor Fearon 3.46.421 + 16.370

72. David McMillan A�3.49.045 + 18.994

99. Chris Kovarik 3.56.466 + 26.415

101. Sean McCarroll 3.56.901 + 26.850

Three Aussies in the top 10 is always good! Loic Bruni looks like he is really stepping it up for third, will he come through on race day? Jack Moir continues to impress, this time with a 43rd. We know Connor Fearon doesn’t rate this as his favourite track, struggling to find his flow on it and stoked to see David McMillan sneak into the top 80 in 72nd place.

Frustrating wouldn't even begin to explain what Chris Kovarik would be feeling when he punctured near the bottom of the course, missing qualifying by 19 places. His partner in crime, Claire Buchar, qualified 8th in the woman's field. — Frustrating wouldn’t even begin to explain what Chris Kovarik would be feeling when he punctured near the bottom of the course, missing qualifying by 19 places. His partner in crime, Claire Buchar, qualified 8th in the woman’s field.

Mic Hannah is knocking on the door of a win, second in qualifying and looking strong.

Australia’s sole female competitor, Tracey Hannah qualified 5th after missing this round last year due to injury, she would be expecting a podium this week and we all know she is capable of doing so!

Just like brother Mic, Tracey Hannah is looking stron on course too, fifth in qualifying should set her up nicely for a podium this weekend. — Just like brother Mic, Tracey Hannah is looking strong on course too, fifth in qualifying should set her up nicely for a podium this weekend.

Junior men saw Dean Lucas, who is battling for the overall, qualify 9th 7.944 seconds back and Luke Ellison had a shocking run coming in last in 42nd place but he qualifies to line up for finals come Sunday.

Dean Lucas on the hunt, he wants that junior overall jersey!

Sam Hill clearly impressing a few spectators on what is really the only new section on the course - a jump over the cross country track! — Sam Hill clearly impressing a few spectators on what is really the only new section on the course – a jump over the cross country track!

So what’s left now? A few more training sessions then race day! Check back soon.

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September 14, 2013

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