Vallnord World Cup 2016: Practice Gallery - Dirt

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Vallnord World Cup 2016: Practice Gallery

Hot and dusty out in Andorra

Fast, dusty and loose conditions greeted racers on the first day of practice at the final round of this year’s World Cup in Vallnord, Andorra.

Photos: Seb Schieck

Such a shame for Morgane Charre. Heading for an overall podium a crash and a broken scaphoid and she is out.

The track was running way faster compared to the wet conditions of last year.

Rachel Atherton already has the series title wrapped up, but you can bet that she will still want the victory here to continue her amazing winning streak.

Racers were riding a thin line. Morgane Charre cased the first big jump on the jump section and is out. Probably a broken scaphoid.

Return to sender. Wyn Masters back on the horse.

There were a lot of crashes and sketchy moves when it all went wrong! There were a lot of breaks and red flags during the day.

Lots of crashes. Our thoughts are definitely with James Maltman who had to be airlifted out of the woods after breaking his pelvis.

One rider (James Maltman) had to be airlifted out of the woods after breaking his pelvis. Get well soon James, we’re thinking of you.

There were plenty of course-holds too.

With it all still being up for grabs in the senior men’s category it was Danny Hart who looking very fast and comfortable… but he is the one who really has to lay it all on the line if he wants to take the overall from Aaron Gwin.

Eyes on the prize. As mentioned Rachel Atherton will want to win here in Vallnord, but with the series wrapped up she must have her sights set on the World Championships in Val di Sole, which are just one week away?
Manon Carpenter is an awesome rider, but something just doesn’t seem to have been right with her this year. With two races to go she still has the chance to make it click.
Home turf (sort of). Wanting to impress the boss (Max Commencal runs his company out of Vallnord). Danger woman. Myriam Nicole has to be in with a BIG shout for the win.
Just like home. Tracey Hannah was fastest in Timed Traiing and has the ability to take the win, so too Tahnee Seagrave. The women’s race is going to be interesting for sure.
Brendan Fairclough with no time to take in the breath taking view.
Great to see Marcelo Guitierrez back racing after missing out on some races through injury.
Propain Dirt Zelvy rider Phil Atwill has had a cracking year so far. Just watch out for those tapes Phil. OK!
This could be his moment. Winner here and winner at the World Champs next week... why not? Troy Brosnan can do it.
C'mon Mike Jones.
Luca Shaw is currently the hot ticket. New Santa Cruz Syndicate rider for 2017? We'll just have to wait and see.
Ohhh Loic Bruni. Has be another serious contender for the win here and in Val di Sole.

 

 

Come on… you can’t ever rule this guy out. Greg Minnaar.
Of course Danny Hart would like to take the overall series win here, but an awful lot of things need to go his way to make that happen... but stranger things have happened. We'll know more after qualifying, but until then...
One cool customer. You could say that Aaron Gwin has the series in the bag, but in racing, especially downhill racing, anything can really happen. As they say, it is his to lose.

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