It’s as if downhill has no history. I have asked everybody who could possibly know the answer to the question, ‘How many times has there been a world cup race in MSA?’ It mattered not how many the actual figure was in the end, because it brought into light just how forgetful most riders are about shit like this. Monkey (GT mechanic) reckons he has been here 17 times, but is unsure as to how many of those times have been at World Cup races.
People are pinned on the track today. Loads of practice. Six hours today and six hours yesterday. Gee and Dan Atherton walked it this morning during practice. They reckon that it’s smoother than last years, and Gee doesn’t seem to know where he is going. He is being guided down by older brother Dan, who he has not been riding with Gee too much this week. Walking the track with Dan is a bit of an eye opener really. Every inch of it counts with him. It’s funny to think that all of his skill at spotting lines has not won him a World Cup race yet.
Bryn Atkinson takes five after hitting a tree on the lower section of the track. Most people don’t appear to be getting much faster. The fast guys are fast, but the rest of the field seem to be on the same pace as day one. Something seems to be missing from the usual Mont Sainte Anne buzz. It’s Cedric. No sign of him. He has been recovering from an infected cut that he received at Champery, and his doctor advised him not to travel to this race to give it time to heal properly.
Steve and Sam discuss the track after a few laps on the PSP. Steve reckons the new forest section isn’t as challenging as last years. They both agree that the track is much smoother on the whole. Seeing Sam this morning on the section under the chairlift took me by surprise. Flat out drifting around a turn, off a drop, foot out, absolutely pinned. This track will suit pinners (see pinners).
Rims getting dinged is a big problem for mechanics and riders alike. It seems to be a rim a run for a lot of people. It seems that it’s better to have soft rims than strong ones. Less chance of a puncture. Good in the race world, but a bit of a pain in the hole when you have to rebuild nigh on three to four wheels a day.
Rennie is at the petrol station trying to buy a copy of ‘Borat’. Turns out it’s a rental only, and it’s booked out already. He leaves with a big box of fireworks and a big smile…pre–race ritual.
Clouds loom over Mont Sainte Anne on the eve of the race. What will tomorrow bring I wonder? Alex Rankin locks his keys in the boot of his car and has to bend the back seats to get in there and retrieve them. It would seem that he also has ‘zero responsibility’ printed on his rental agreement. So too does Will Longden, and he drives back to his apartment with two strips of rubber for a tyre on his front rim. The police pull him over and tow his car. The rental company send him out a replacement car of which he also has ‘zero responsibility’.>>>
