Andorra World Cup day 1 Practice

Andorra Day 1
After 21 days of rain in Andorra the riders were greeted with a wet track this morning. Riders were pretty much unanimously runnin cut spikes, a few chose full spikes but quickly changed to cut downs as the day progressed and the sun dried the track out to a tacky one line affair. The track has cut up heavily after just one day of practice making some deep ruts and braking bumps. The track is a mix of fast open piste at the top and then fast wooded sections that are littered with roots and rocks. Winning time on Sunday will be somewhere around the 2.30-2.45 region. Even though it’s only a short track there’s lots to learn and catch you out if you get off line. Because of all the rain the ruts on the finish line jump are like something from Buds Creek. The organisers have been tweeking this and the rumour is that its going to change it to some North Shore affair so cant wait for that!

Young Canadian Steve Smith has been winning practice today after his US Open victory over Sam Hill has no doubt boosted his confidence. Pedemanaud has been going really good today with a point to prove after his Maribor crash. Sydicate is missing Josh Bryceland for this round and Fort William after he heals up from his large get off in Maribor. I heard today that the new Boxxers are nearly a pound lighter than the current production one’s. The Sydicate boys haven’t really busted a gut today and have only done a couple of runs. Camelini has been going rapid too trying to hold on to his 2nd overall. The whole CRC team have had the shits after a dodgy meal in there hotel last night, all the guys have been running off into the bushes to avoid having an accident in there Royal keks!

There seems to be a large influx of riders from the states here, maybe 20 or so US guys which is the most I’ve seen at a World Cup outside of North America for years. They are still missing the main man Strobel who is out with busted scapoid which he broke at the Sea Otter. It was good to bump into Steve Wentz who rides for the Sol Vista bike park team out of Colorado, it’s a must if your anywhere near Denver to check that place out.

4X isn’t getting good reports from the riders, personally I’m sick of talking about how good 4X could be but it’s a let down everytime. Lopes was not happy about the fact that the track had no flow. Dan Atherton sent the big triple which must be the best part of 40 foot. A few others had a go but rim’ed it.

Forecast for tommorow is rain all day, we’ll be uploading some pics so hit us back…

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