Back up into the Alps for the final round of the World Cup delivered some all time scenery!
If you follow any number of the top downhill riders on one of their many social media channels then you would already know their thoughts on this track, that it is awesome! We headed off for track walk, initially with the conditions dry and sunny, as we type up this report a thick fog has descended over Meribel and light rain is falling, whether this wears off over night remains to be seen.
Meribel is no stranger to holding World Cups, they’re not all mountain bike related though! The finish of the downhill mountain bike track shares the same area as the ski downhill – that should give you just some idea of how fast it is going to be…
The track is super steep, little pedalling required and very fast. There are plenty of technical sections to keep riders on their toes too. The finish area reminds us of Schladming with a big open ski field, consisting of sweeping corners and some kickers that will send riders sailing.
Steeeepp!This race is going to decide the overall, realistically one of three riders can win it, Brosnan, Bryceland or Gwin.Andrew Crimmins checking out the line, like many riders the Kona team had a mission to get across from Whistler to this race here in France.We are calling this ‘the mosser’ mainly due to the large amounts of moss on this big rock face. This will test some riders nerves, no doubt there will be plenty of photos here too.Slightly different view, it is a sizeable drop and riders can send it some way.As we said this drop was getting a lot of attention!Track walk seemed to be a crowded affair, everyone wanting to check the track out.It is going to be hard for riders as some sections of the track are rocky and bone dry where as others are wet muddy due to water coming out of the hill.In some areas of the track there was actually a creek running as part of the course (inside the bunting!), definitely want to get your lines right through here.Classic grooves were cut into stumps down the course, chances are if you need them though you’re on the wrong line!Connor Fearon sent the creek gap straight up!
Riders hit the track for practice next and we will get our first indication of who is on pace here in Meribel.
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