Looking forward to this one, it's going to be a fast one - my money is on Minaaaaaaar FTW and about a million 27.5" V10's on Pinkbike classifieds the next day.
Yep bets on Greg but Sam hill rumoured to be trying for a top 5 to get into cairns so watch out.
Heading up tomorrow, really excited. Hoping for decent enough weather (though nothing is going to top last year) at least the same for all on the Sunday. Danny Hart won the BDS there so can't rule him out - would love to see Sam Hill back to form, he's been flying at the EWS.
Can't wait. Shame Gee is missing. Anyone know how long he is off the bike for?
Anyone seen the forecast? Don't mind if it's not sunny but hoping it's not terrible weather (fingers crossed)
and about a million 27.5" V10's on Pinkbike classifieds the next day.
Yawn...
Given that a massive amount of DHers are still on 26 inch bikes, I really can't see that happening, but do carry on...
Anyone seen the forecast?
sunshine and showers, hopefully not as biblical as Lourdes (did you see what I did there?)
I think after Rd.1 everyone is going to be raring to go, it should be epic! Not going to even try to guess a winner...(one of the syndicate, probs)
Gutted for Gee, can't see him coming back this season TBH
Full insights
Claudio's preview is up on Red Bull.
Heading up in a few hours time, looking forward to a great weekend!
27.5" V10's on Pinkbike classifieds the next day
This season is going to be dominated by the 27.5 vs. 29 debate the likes of Bruni isn't very happy about 29ers.
Hoping that Hart goes well this weekend. Guessing that Rachel will takes the ladies race.
Kids dropped off at school and the grandparents are going to pick them up. Just waiting on the boss to finish her packing and we are heading off!
As mentioned above the weather won't touch last year but I'm looking forward to it, I've even got a daft grin on my face while I type this.
My money is on Danny on his 29er. Greg, gwin and brosnan on podium.
Loic either top three or crash.
Rachel 1, tahnee 2, manon 3
Daft question - anyone know if i can get the coverage via bt tv? i think it should be on the bike channel but can't see a listing for it.
I normally which via Red Bul TV on t'web
@ dangeourbrain - Bike Channel sez they're showing it, men's from 4pm ish, women's earlier.
Well that's my weekend sorted, still got left over beer and bbq food from last weekend so long as i remember to defrost some burgers.
Forgot about the Bike Channel showing the downhill, do they just piggyback the Redbull coverage with Warner on Commentary?
Usually watch the DH back later on at Redbull but might try catch it live on the Bike Channel but you kind of get used to Warner commentating and someone else shouting the riders down would almost seem a bit weird.
Its the Redbull coverage (Including Warner) on the bike Channel, well it was for Lourdes anyway
Leaving now, COWBELLS packed! 😀
Along with goretex waterproofs, suncream and midge net, you just never know what you're getting, gotta love Scotland!
Just seen the timed practice times.
Woooo! Go Rachel!
We're ere. Can't wait for Sunday.
The girlfriend is away this weekend, all household jobs are done, roll on Sunday. Can't ride as I'll be looking after my daughter all weekend so looking forward to this, CBeebies will have to make way for red bull tv 😆
Hope the weather stays the same for all the riders as I'm genuinely interested to see how these 29ers compare.
My mates have two spare sunday tickets available with gondola if anyone is stuck.
Just a quick note, there's bag search's in the queue to get in, loads of booze getting poured out by staff
😐
Blimey, Rachel is rocking the qualifying.
Go Greg!
Be interesting to see how the track is tomorrow if the rain we had in Fort William itself a couple of hours ago also hit the track.
Felt a bit sorry for the juniors I'd guess close to half must have had offs on the way down judging by the state of them
VitalMTB have a couple of raw vids up. You can see the riders really pushing today. Greg for the win? He's got the experience, he's got the nous, he's got the fitness and the skills.
Come on Greg!! Amazing when he gets the bike that fits him how fast he has got!!
Some big gaps up there as always but the woods could still see somebody come unstuck. Could the Syndicate get the double? Last win on 26" first on 29"? Vergier looks to be hauling it too.
Though a quick look down the list suggests some offs? Brayton and Sam Hill way down, Luca Shaw too? Question are the top finishers from Rd1 now protected? So some interesting people to be slotted in??
ah the pink bike photo round up explains one
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https://www.pinkbike.com/news/the-classic-fort-william-dh-world-cup-qualifying.html
and something the Pro's have been getting perfected this year the rain drop shot
[img] 
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I wonder if Sam Hills fitness is better than its ever been. It might be enough for him to keep on ploughing through the pain and take a very good place on the podium. GM 2nd and DH 3rd. Gwinn ...7th!
I do like Nathan Hughes' pics. Definitely my favourite MTB 'tog. And he's from Oxford.
What's the racing schedule?
1.00 for the Elite Women
3.00 for the Elite Men
So about 4.30 for the top 20?
I don't know the gaps between riders. More interested in what the weather may bring.
PinkBike says 2.00pm for the men, RedBull TV says three. Is confused... 😕
14.00 BST and 15.00 CET would be my guess?
Red bull starts mid way through the mens race
Rachel out with with a dislocated shoulder on her last practice run 🙁
Those woods look shocking
Oh Tahnee!
I've just filed my predictions in the bin
Just looks like pot luck going through the woods.
