Val Di Sole World Champs Test Race



Even though this was only a test race for the World’s all the heavy hitters came to check out the track and lay down some runs. Also to get warmed up on the first alpine race of the year in time for start of the world cup season in Maribor this coming week. The track here is very technical, with rocks and roots everywhere and only two high speed sections. Everyone had at least one big crash during practice, young Danny Hart took a big digger on one of the high speed sections when his DeeMax seemed to fold, rumour is that he’s done his scaphoid.

Practice started on the Friday and everyone seemed pretty relaxed and the usual conversations “what you been doing all winter?” blah blah blah… Some people were into the track from the get go wheras others seemed to be struggling. The crucial thing here was tyres and suspension, get that dialled and your life would straight up be easier.
Goings on.

Bryn Atkinson has left the dark side and is now running flats

Avid have got some new brakes out called Elixer’s All the Syndicate boys and Monster Crew have got these on.

Probably the biggest variation of tyre choice I’ve ever seen, the winner had 3C 2.5 Minion fronts on, that’s all you need to know.

Sam Hill is running small discs, 185 Front and 165 Rear.

Needles was rockin the Leatt, said he’s getting on with it great.

Duncan Riffle has upped his game from running skinny jeans to running skinny shorts, make your own judgement.

JD Swagenen was runnin a purple, neon pink and purple skin jump suit. He was shoutin for team mate Matti in the woods and after Matti said it made him start laughin during his run!



Fabien Pedemanaud was looking really good in practice, his Bos tuned Morewood has got to be one of the fastest machine’s around. This guys gets it done, keep and eye out for him all season.



This track will not favour those in a skin suit, national federations take note.

Sam Blenkinsop surprised everyone by setting the fastest qualifying time and the only man to go under 3.30. Peaty showed everyone that he’s still the man and can still be up there on any track. Matti Lehikonen had a long time in the hot seat after a flat in qualifying. He was eventually up rooted by Kovarik.



CK looked rad drifting the bottom fast turns. The Barel cranked things up with a 3.26,92 many people though this would be enough but then Sam Hill came down and destroyed his time with a 3.19,42.



Peaty came through the finish cruising and no pedalling, he still posted a 3.24,60 and maybe didn’t want to show all his card before the Worlds. Maybe this year? I hope so.

Burgetc Riders

Fabien Pedamanaud 9th Penthouse Flats

Chris Kovarik 11th Penthouse Flats and 40mm Ride Wide Bars

Julien Camellini 12th 40mm Ride Wide Bars

Matt Simmonds 30th 20mm Ride Wide Bars

Sam Dale 36th (2nd Junior) Penthouse Flats

Ruaridh Cunningham 42nd Penthouse Flats and 40mm Ride Wide Bars

Adam Brayton 52nd Penthouse Flats

Dan Critchlow 56th Penthouse Flats, 40mm Ride Wide Bars, Hubs and Seat Post

Nathan Rennie 59th Penthouse Flats

Next stop Maribor, we’ll be updating so check back…

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