Here we go! Our man Laurence Crossman-Emms is covering the World Cup Downhill for us in 2014 and he has just beamed over the first gallery of the season.

It looks dry and dusty down in South Africa and even with a few track changes it seems some riders are opting for modified bikes. Our own Bazza Heath is going for ‘Strange’ prototype, the Nukeproof boys are on a new short travel rig that we took a look at in February. Even though some are going for shorter travel bikes there are a whole heap of riders sticking to full on downhill bikes. The Santa Cruz Syndicate look to be on 26″ wheeled V10’s as are some of the Madison Team and Shimano BDS Round 1 winner Danny Hart is set to ride his DH bike.

Down the track Laurence catches up with Danny Hart, Manon Carpenter and Sam Hill to get their feelings on this weekend’s race.