Even though the line choices might not “make a difference” it’s still so interesting to see how each rider has a different approach to a section depending on their own style and tendencies
I was a bit funny about this track first up, but honestly i like it - its literally "risk it for the biscuit" - it could do with taping slightly different to slow bits down but otherwise its up to the riders to decide how fast to go.
Well done for THE SHARE. Gives us viewers/non riders, but serious followers of DH racing, have a MUCH better understanding of what the course is and what faces the riders. Thank you.
Hey Ben, sorry for disturbing you sitting there at the wall and analyzing Videos and Lines… :) I thought about sponsoring you guys but maybe we find a minute next time. I was in Lenzerheide (live in CH) and loved it, the place, the atmosphere, everything. I had the Chance to fly into Toulouse the day before for another reason and so took the chance to swing by. The organization was a desaster, transport was a puzzle and then afterwards hundreds of people waiting for busses in the sun (37°) which blocked each other commuting up and down the street. At the award ceremony 90% of the crowd was lost. Hm. At least I could be some Maxxis with DD casing at the local Commencal store which are sold out everywhere else on the planet, just to stay positive! :) Anyway, great job, I love your line analysis! Fingers crossed you qualify next time! PS: Give Aimy somehting to do, she was so bored! :) :)
Tbh this is my favorite track so far, actual downhill racing, really gnarly and it’s got park features and natural stuff, this one will truly show who the gnarly riders are
Eddie Masters said getting onto and off the rubber matting sections were THE key sections for the race in terms of making and losing time. I think he had a point.
If they go back to this new Vallnord track next year, they should change that final bridge to some kind of shark fin or whale tail bit off the end, rather than to have to slam on the brakes for a terrible rubber drop. Something similar to Mont Sainte Anne finish.
Loved t analysis (+ viewing!) ... lots of material moving down that hill, first time I’ve heard t reference to powder on a DH but makes perfect sense. t “ghosting” is smart tech. Roll on racing (they’re all b......y mad) winter in NZ, what can you do but enjoy this.
I wonder, after all the erosion of this weekend, what happenes after the WC ends? how do they repair the mountain/forest section? will they use the same one for the next year?
They don’t. It’s just a trail that people can ride at most places. If they come back they usually use the same track until they have a reason to add different sections
Not much oxygen because of the altitude. I’m with you there, it’s horrible. I regularly find this to be the case pedalling up the fireroad at BPW or pushing up to the DH tracks at FoD.
If one line choice saves you .1s and you do that 10 times...throughout your run...you improved a whole second! Aka...the difference between a podium or not...i see his point that it isn’t the “most important thing” but it seems like Ben is loosing his faith in line choices (which isn’t classy...Ben!)
This is a sinister track. The girls are going get seriously hurt or teased. I agree with a bit of rider anger, especially the jumps. They should be rollers or table tops, to avoid the inevitable cases that slower riders are going have. PB's teen gal, I feel her fear. Stay strong and be a Mentor Benny Boi.
The jumps really shouldn’t be an issue. If you can’t hit a 30 foot jump you don’t need to be at a World Cup. The metal bridges are the only thing I think are really a problem. That stump section is a bit suspect but a little reroute can solve that
Since when having valid critiques means "being negative" ?? I keep seeing this fear to criticize... I guess the snowflake mentality (only positives and rainbows) is taking over.