It is funny, it feels like Australian downhill racer Tracey Hannah is already a veteran of the sport, but I have to keep reminding myself that she is only 24 years old. After being forced to take four years out (due to lack of support and funds) the 2006 Junior World Champion and World Cup winner (Schladming 2007) is back on the international race circuit.

After hooking up a deal on the Hutchinson United Ride team on a Morewood bike she shocked everyone by taking the first World Cup of the year in South Africa. After that exceptional start things have gone a little awry. Some big crashes in Val d Sole left her battered and bruised, then a sixth in Fort William, a seventh in Mont Sainte Anne and a fourth in Windham leave her sitting pretty in the top five overall.

Here’s her Pro Bike. Unfortunately just as we went to press Tracey had a serious crash at the Val d’Isere World Cup suffering a season–ending injury. Get well soon.