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

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!

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! — 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!

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

World Cup 5 – Hafjell – Practice Day 1

First day of practice and riders were throwing down the style! This isn't Brendan Fairclough as first impressions may suggest rather Zakarias Blom Johansen... Can't saw we had heard of him either but with style like this who cares! — First day of practice and riders were throwing down the style! This isn’t Brendan Fairclough as first impressions may suggest rather Zakarias Blom Johansen… Can’t saw we had heard of him either but with style like this who cares!

Round 5 of the World Cups and we are off to Norway, more specificallyA�the bike park of Hafjell (pronounced huff-yell incase you are wondering!). We first saw the track on the calendar last year as it had the honour of hosting the final World Cup of 2012. You will probably remember the big jumps up near the top which saw riders throwing down big whips, well guess what? Not much has changed!

Sik Mik gets his whip on! Getting up to speed quickly Mik was gapping a few of the more extreme lines in the rock gardens that littered the course. A few crashes were maybe a hangover from World Champs excitement but nothing major for the silver medalist! — Sik Mik gets his whip on! Getting up to speed quickly, Mik was gapping a few of the more extreme lines in the rock gardens that littered the course. A few crashes during practice were maybe a hangover from World Champs excitement but nothing major for the silver medalist!

So the track here is in a bike park but it has all the A�big berms and cool jumps of bike parks you find the world over but to ensure it is World Cup spec there are multiple rock gardens that caught plenty of riders out during practice. Riders are saying it is one of the most fun courses on the calendar.

With his amazing World Cup season so far Gee Atherton has put his disappointing (by his standards anyway) World Champs result behind him and wants to make a mends here in Norway.

Timed practice showed Gee was up to speed early with last years winner Stevie Smith hot on his heels, followed closely by Mik Hannah, always hard to tell from timed practice exactlyA�how much everyone put in but don’t be surprised if it is one of these three is on the top step comeA�Sunday.

It is not just the guys throwing down on the jumps! Emmiline Ragot mixing it up with the boys, interesting that some of the Lapierre team are still running the 650B bikes as per their Worlds set up. Clearly they believe this is the future and the advantage is there. — It is not just the guys throwing down on the jumps! Emmeline Ragot mixing it up with the boys, interesting that some of the Lapierre team are still running the 650B bikes as per their Worlds set up. Clearly they believe this is the future and the advantage is there.

Bit of a surprise to see Kovarik Racing make the trek out from their current Whistler base to race this round but you know this track should suitA�Chris well though.

Not afraid to jump and not afraid of rocks, that pretty much ticks of a lot of the track here in Norway, always a dark horse you never know with Chris Kovarik.

And another rider throwing down the style, yes there is more to the track then just the top jumps! Tune back soon for more action.

We will leave it there for now, check back soon for more Norway action!

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September 13, 2013