PMB is over for another year but what does Cairns have in store?
So with the first World Cup done and dusted then the first Enduro World Series race wrapped up last weekend it’s time for the second DH race of the season and we are in Cairns, Australia for this one.
It’s been a long time since the last race at this track, Nico Vouilloz won World Championships in 96′ on the Cairns track and if you can’t remember that far back then you will need to dig out Dirt #1 for an interview with the French legend.
If you hadn’t worked it out, or never listened in geography then Cairns is under the big red pointer on the above map. That pointer isn’t actually there but what is in Cairn’s is the next World Cup Downhill track, this is what it looks like from Mick Hannah’s head…
Here’s the elevation profile for the track and all the sections, it seems the Hannah siblings have had some input into the track design so they could be on for decent results. Mick has even got a drop named after him! Our favourite section has to be the last one…but will Wally’s Runout be long enough for Sam Dale to stay on his bike! Check out the gallery from PMB if you missed his bail.
As with PMB the schedule has been shifted forwards a day with all the racing happening on Saturday afternoon Australian time. Speaking of time the Aussie’s are 9 hours ahead of us, so after some intense confusion in the office we worked it out using the magic of the internet!
Here’s the full schedule so you all know what’s what.
Now you might be expecting it to be tropical and warm in Cairns this weekend but it looks like the rain has come to the north east of Australia recently. Rain is due for Friday and Saturday with sun coming out for the XC boys and girls on Sunday. The track could turn into a different beast if the rain man cometh.
So who is going to take the win here? Well, it’s a tougy but tomorrow you will see our nice shiny infograophic that designer Chris is polishing as I type. He’s got digital Brasso and everything.
If you haven’t done it already then make sure to get your Fantasy Downhill shuffles done as soon as possible so you can maximise your pointage and win bragging rights over your mates.
