Andorra World cup looked as though it was going to be over shadowed
by the elements. Snow had to be cleared from the track the week
before and on Wednesday that we arrived it was pouring down with
rain. Thursday it even tried to snow. There were many conflicting
weather reports but the weather managed to behave its self for the
entire weekend.
The event pulled in another big crowd, which erupted every time
a rider came down the track. The course was pretty much unchanged
from the year before with only a few tweaks here and there.
Race day didn’t disappoint with plenty of drama and surprises.
Bryn Atkinson showed everyone what he was capable of with a top
ten finish remaining in the hot seat till Mick Hannah knocked him
off. Byrn finally ended up in 8th position.
Hannah remained in the Hotseat till Minnaar came thundering down
but Minnaar was once again ousted out of the top spot by the man
of the moment Steve Peat. Greg must be wondering what he needs to
do stop the charge of his team mate.
The Pyrenees crowd went wild as Peaty crossed the line but he had
an anxious wait to become the most successful Downhiller of all
time beating Nico Voilloz long time standing record. Peaty achieve
his victory using Sram 10 speed cassette with a 37-tooth chain ring.
Gee Atherton must have been gutted when he crossed the line a cats
whisker behind Steve there was only .02 of a second in it.
Sam Hill looked to be a dead cert for the victory after qualifying
in top position. He even managed to smoke the field without a chain
after a repeat of La Bresse chain gremlins. In the final he was
1.6 seconds up on Peaty after the first spilt but 10 metres after
the spilt he had what can only be described as a monster crash (good
jobs he’s sponsored by them). Sam said he was lucky to be
alive. In true Sam Hill fashion the time from the 2nd spilt too
the finish was a second faster than Peaty but the damage had already
been done.
Kovarik was happy with qualifying in 10th place after recovering
from flu but was unable to improve on the position in the final
after having a 1st spilt 1.5 quicker than Sick Mick (who was actually
sick to) but was unable to keep it going through the bottom section
of the track. He slipped to 12th place but a solid performance from
the big calved Aussie.
The surprise’s of the day came from Nick Beer a solid top
30 performer road out of his skin qualifying in 5th on Saturday
and just finishing off the podium in 6th on Sunday.
The Yeti
boys Sam Bleinksopp and Aron Gwin didn’t quite get to grips
with the track as much as they liked placing 15th and 16th.
Kenda Morewood Mitch delfs 27th would of liked to seen to of placed
higher after doing well off the back of a good result La Bresse.
Rennie only managed 62nd place a result that he won’t be
happy with after qualifying on the bubble in 73rd place.
All in all another exciting weekend of racing with any number
of contenders to the throne but there can only be one king and
his name is Steve Peat. Fort Bill will sure to be a battle royal!
