Rotorua, New Zealand
By Santa Cruz Syndicate Team Manager Kathy Sessler
As downhill practice began, stormy skies appeared. It was forecasted that rain would soon follow. The slippery track is proving to be a lot of fun for riders, since it has held a lot of moisture since two days ago.
Nathan Rennie and Steve Peat, Syndicate riders, are having fun at the track. The track begins at the top of a grassy hill surrounded by sheep. It is actually in the sheeps pasture. They have just been sent to another pasture for the week.
This World Championships experience is enhanced by the Maori flair of the start house. Rotorua is a popular tourist spot due to its Maori culture. Riders will be able to see a section of grassy terrain as they descend from the gate. This leads into a left hand turn, which has been very slippery. This berm turn is necessary in order to reach the 9.1 m gap water jumping. If you don’t, you can take the longer alternative line. Only a few of the top men made it in yesterday’s practice. Others tried, but failed, as they encountered slips in the mud. Minnaar attempted the jump several times but fell hard on one attempt and was whiplashed. This is a very sore neck today.
After crossing a few bridges, riders will enter steep, dark woods with tight corners and drops. It is now slippery, but you can imagine how it will feel in the rain. After leaving the woods, riders cross the grass to meet a manmade rock garden. They then turn on a wooden banked curve and arrive at the finish with a small section of rock that has been shaped to look like a Silver Fern, which is New Zealand’s most famous symbol.
Rennie, the Australian National Champion, has the following to say about the track: I love the track. It’s fast and nice. It has some awkward parts, steep bridges, but it is fast. Even without weather, the pond jump can be slippery but it is manageable. You have to work hard to succeed in these days, and you must win.
Peaty said, « The track was great for practice and will be useful for seeding. » It’s fast and great fun. Rain is expected for Saturday’s race. Some players will use tactical games in qualifying.
The seeding run is almost over and Santa Cruz racers are at the top of the leaderboard. Nathan Rennie is the fastest qualifier at
Rennie says, « I had a consistent run. » Although it is only qualifying, it’s useful to see what others are doing. Many riders did the same. I held back a bit. There are fast sections, and I’m good at carrying speed. I didn’t expect to be first. I’m okay with finishing last in the race. Ive
I have enough experience to be able to take the last line. I will be looking at a few lines. Rumour has it that other riders use different lines. I look forward to the race.
Peat then chimes in, Me, Rennie, one, and two! MINT!! MINT! It was strange to be in a skinsuit. In the woods, I made some mistakes. I was able to maintain my speed. I didn’t do everything in the run. I’m saving it for Saturday. The Santa Cruz V-10 hooked up beautifully!
Friday practice day, Saturday finals. Rain is sure to fall, but it held off for the entire day.
Santa Cruz Bicycles and RockShox, Truvativ and Avid are grateful to the Syndicate sponsors: Santa Cruz Bicycles.
AMERICAS DH HOPES
Information from France Cycling
Melissa Buhl (Chandler AZ) won the downhill seeding for women. She was third behind Tracey Moorley of Great Britain, and Sabrina Jonnier from France. Moseley was the first to set the standard.
Cole Bangert (Twin Lakes CO) was the American seed with the highest average time in the men’s downhill competition.
Also, junior downhill seeding runs took place. Andrew Pierce (Park City (UT) was the American rider who earned a tenth-seed. He was followed by Logan Bingelli, Santa Barbara, CA, in 18th, Daniel Hultgen, CA, in 20th, Hank Cadle, Lake Forest, CA, in 23rd, and Tim Price, Great Falls, VA, in 29th. New Zealand’s Samuel Blenkinsop rode fastest junior mens qualifier race.
Christina Pinney, Team USA (Concord CA), was awarded a fourth-seed in the junior women’s downhill. She is the only competitor from the United States.
ELITE DOWNHILL SEEDING
1. Nathan Rennie (Aus)Santa Cruz Syd 2. Steve Peat (GBr)Santa Cruz Syd+0.35
3. Greg Minnaar (RSA)G-Cross Honda1.14
21. Cole BangertMorewood12.95
23. Luke StrobelTurnerFox Racing14.94
26. Cody WarrenClub Racing15.36
27. Christopher HerndonCane creek16.75
34. Evan TurpenIronhorse-Fox Shox18.88
43. Justin HavukainenMonster-Ironhorse23.48
44. Duncan RiffleHonda-Ironhorse24.15
WOMEN
1.Tracy Moseley (GBr)Kona Les Gets 2. Sabrina Jonnier (Fra)Monster-Ironhorse+3.29
3. Melissa BuhlKHS6.79
11. Kathy PruittLuna Chix17.37
20. Jacqueline HarmonyBrodie-Cactus39.00
JUNIOR
1. Samuel Blenkinsop, NZl 2. Brenden Fairclough, (GBr),Orange+1.99
3. Steve Smith (Can.)Cove-Sram2.23
10. Andrew PierceGo-Ride13.48
18. Logan BingelliYeti Cycles-Fox Shox20.95
20. Daniel HultgenMichelin-Smith21.31
23. Hank CadleAmpd Race21.94
29. Tim PriceVics Tree Service25.96
JUNIOR WOMEN
1. Floraine Pugin (Fra). Tracey Hannah (Aus)Orange-Utopia-Fox+0.63
3. Micayla Gatto (Can)Rky Mtn Biz Obj-Oakley14.80
4.
Christina PinneyRide All Out SFO
