Sam Hill had a massive crash during official timed practise today at Fort William.
From the gondola I saw Hill slumped on the grass looking very shaken near the fast rocky drop/left hander a few corners up from the entry to the woods.
The latest news is that he has been to the local hospital for xrays to his shoulder.
Team mate Brendan Fairclough said “Sam doesn’t normally moan about injuries but he was looking pretty bad”
Healing vibes out to Hill and hope he’s back in the saddle for Sundays final.
RockShox pushes their trail category of forks to the next level in 2011 with the addition of the new Revelation World Cup fork. With a one piece carbon fiber crown and tapered steerer tube and a weight of only 3.46 lbs, the 150 mm travel fork is sure to raise some eyebrows.
Inside you will also find details of yet another new rear shock for 2011, the Monarch Plus. The new shock is intended for all-mountain use and is a hybrid of the proven original Monarch and the brand new Vivid Air shock.
Read on…
2011 RockShox Revelation World Cup
2011 RockShox Revelation World Cup
For 2011 RockShox makes major refinements to their Revelation lineup, including adding the World Cup model that you see here. One of the most exciting features on the forks is the new Dual Air travel adjust system. Dual Air lets the rider quickly and easily drop the travel by about 30 mm simply by turning the crown mounted lever by 90 degrees. Total travel sits at 150 mm, but is dropped down to 120 mm to keep the front end from wandering on climbs. Not only does the system add minimal weight to the overall package, around 100 grams, it also keeps things simple and doesn’t involve making multiple turns with a dial to lower the front end. Dual Air will be available as an option on all of the Revelation forks.
The stunning one piece tapered carbon steerer tube
The World Cup Revelation that I spent my day on featured the new and very trick one piece carbon fiber crown and tapered steerer tube. The new tapered upper assembly is impressive to see in person, and drops weight while retaining valuable stiffness. Riders who push their trail bikes hard will benefit from the new carbon addition. Fittingly, only the World Cup model receives the carbon treatment. Aluminum standard and tapered steerer options are available on RL, RTL, and RTL Ti models. RockShox makes the leap to 15 mm thru-axles as well, and although new to the 15 mm gang, their Maxle Lite system is probably the most user friendly to use. The new Maxle Lite (including the 20 mm version) does away with the full length steel skewer that was hidden within and instead moves the wedge system to the lever end of the axle.
At the bottom you’ll find a 15 mm thru-axle
2011 RockShox Revelation World Cup details
• New World Cup model for ’11
• One piece carbon fiber tapered steerer tube and crown
• Adjustable travel: 120 mm – 150 mm with Dual Position Air system
• BlackBox Motion Control damping
• Dual Flow rebound
• Adjustments: external beginning stroke rebound, low speed compression, floodgate and lockout
• 32 mm stanchion tubes
• Option remote PushLoc lockout
• 9 mm QR, 15 mm Maxle Lite, 20 mm Maxle Lite options
• Weight: 3.46 lbs
• MSRP $1090 USD
The World Cup’s one piece carbon fiber crown and steerer tube is a thing of beauty
I put in a few hours on a Revelation World Cup equipped Cannondale RZ140 and came away impressed with the new fork. The Dual Air system proved to be easy to use and was very functional in the field, making it easier for me to make it around some of the day’s tight switchbacks and up some technical climbs. While there are many forks out there with travel adjust mechanisms that accomplish the same feat, the quick and easy nature of the Dual Air design was a bonus. When the trail pointed the opposite direction the Revelation more than held its own over the fast and rocky terrain. Stiffness was never an issue, and many of us even commented to each other about how well the 3.46 lb. fork tracked at speed. There was nary a hint of flex, even when comparing it to larger legged and heavier models. While one ride is far from a proper test, I was impressed. The Revelation World Cup’s total package is outstanding: easy to use travel adjust, light weight, and a stiff chassis should make this a winner for 2011. Look for a full length test at a later date as this fork will be on my short list of products to put a lot of miles on.
The Dual Air lever was easy to turn
2011 RockShox Monarch Plus
2011 RockShox Monarch Plus
Somewhat obscured by the exciting new Reverb, telescoping seatpost and Vivid Air shock is the new Monarch Plus. This all new shock for 2011 is based on both the original Monarch and new Vivid Air, with the goal of producing a light and adjustable shock for all-mountain use. Using RockShox’s Solo Air spring technology, along with Dual Flow separate rebound circuits, this new shock should be at home on today’s mid-travel, weight conscious bikes. Those who earn their turns should take note of the three position external compression adjustment that can be easily flipped while on the go to make those out of the saddle efforts really count. Other external adjustments include beginning stroke rebound speed and air spring pressure. The new shock will come in a variety of common sizes to fit most all-mountain bikes.
Monarch Plus details:
• New all-mountain orientated shock for 2011
• Damper based on Monarch and Vivid internals
• Piggyback reservoir for extra oil volume and heat dissipation
• External 3 position compression adjustment
• Beginning stroke rebound adjustment
• Available sizes: 7.5″ x 2″, 7.875″ x 2″/2.25″, 8.5″ x 2.5″, 8.75″ x 2.6″
The live feed issue has been up and down recently so it’s good to hear that the World Cup stream will be free to watch again largely due to the efforts of Martin Whiteley, President of IMTTO.
With immediate effect all UCI Cross-Country, 4X and Downhill World Cup LIVE webcasts and replays will be accessible without need to purchase an access code, in an unprecedented move to continue the growth of mountain bike race viewership on the internet.
Freecater.tv was created in 2004, at a time when large-scale access to action sports videos did not exist on the web. In 2010, lack of sponsorship revenues forced Freecaster to go pay per view, negating our purpose and undermining the company vision of building mass awareness of our favourite sports. Pay per view was undertaken as a temporary and limited measure during a period of challenging economic circumstances.
IMTTO, the International Mountain Bike Trade Team Organisation, worked hard during the interim to reach an agreement to support Freecater’s efforts to offer the rest of the 2010 UCI World Cup free-of-charge.
“International Mountain Bike Teams, Technical Support companies and Event Organisers enjoyed a steady growth in viewership in mountain bike races throughout 2008 and 2009″ observes Martin Whiteley, President of IMTTO. “A key factor in this is the LIVE webcast technology Freecaster has developed, allowing race fans around the globe to watch simultaneously as one online community. Such technological development and support comes at a cost, and in most sports, such costs are borne by the viewer through subscriptions to pay-per-view services. However, our IMTTO members feel that mountain biking is more unique, and should be accessible to the widest audience, as much as possible. As such, key members of our organisation have chosen to contribute towards maintaining a free live webcast service on Freecaster.”
“We would like to thank the IMTTO members and our existing advertisers for their shared vision in the future of mountain bike racing on the internet” says Raymond Dulieu, founder and CEO of Freecaster.tv “It was a tough, but necessary, decision to charge for the World Cup coverage and we welcome the return to free access. The World Championships will now be the only paying event this season. We hope viewers will acknowledge our efforts elsewhere by tuning into this season finalé in Mont Sainte Anne, Canada. With six free LIVE World Cup events still to go this season, viewers have plenty of opportunity to tune in and check their system can handle LIVE streaming prior to the World Championships.”
“On a personal level, I’d also like to thank those amongst you who understood the reality that nothing is free in this World and respected our decisions” Raymond added. “We’re already looking at an appropriate way to give something back to those who supported us thus far. Freecaster was created out of a respect and passion for a great sport, and our friends within it and we will continue being fair and providing the best service we can to the action sports community.”
The next free World Cup will be the Cross-country in Offenburg, Germany, LIVE on Sunday 23rd May from 10:45 CET with the Women’s Elite race, followed at 14:30 CET by the Men’s Elite.
The rain slowed up and riding sped up as Finals kicked off here in Maribor. Rachel Atherton returned to her winning ways with a convincing 10 second margin over Sabrina Jonnier in second even after breaking her finger only one week earlier. A lot of riders came off trying to make the podium including top qualifier Sam Hill, but Gee Atherton stayed on and posted a great time only to be beaten by just 0.25 seconds by race winner Greg Minnaar. Great results for British riders Brendan Fairclough in 3rd and Joe Smith in 8th.
You may remember Andy Yoong’s film documenting the downhill scene in Ireland (if not check it out HERE).
Well he’s come up trumps with this sweet little edit documenting the last few days at the Maribor World Cup. Short, loud and sharp as a pin, check it out…
44Racing are a new team on the scene for 2010, born and bred in the UK and formed by UK rider Christian Hatcher (Hatch) – it consists of 6 riders wrapped in a packet of good ethics, hard work and natural talent!
44Racing and 44Racing Talent Team don’t only aim for good results – they also seek to raise the profile of and help out British up and coming talent. The team name “44Racing” may sound odd, but it is founded in memory of Ian Hatcher who sadly and suddenly passed away in December 2007 and refers to his birth year 1944. This Team are strong when united together and are incredibly gifted individuals who are out to shred this season and knock the rest of us down the rankings. With strong support from major sponsors and with a manager who puts 100% into his team – this will be an impressive season to watch out for the riders making their mark in new jerseys and aboard their new steeds!
Meet the riders, see the bikes and find out more inside!
The Team
44Racing Team and 44Racing Talent Team are 2 separate teams, but also one of the same. 44Racing Talent Team is for riders with tons of potential who are receiving support to make it onto the scene. Where 44Racing Team is the unleashing of fury and established riders on the team.
44 Racing Team
44Racing Team
Christian “Hatch” Hatcher – 44Racing – Master Cat
Hatch just chilling
Owner/manager of 44Racing and the 44Racing Talent Team, raced Mtb’s at all levels since 1993, has competed in xc, dh, dual slalom, dual, 4X and endurance events in UK, Europe and Canada. Also has a big background in MotoX, Mini Bikes and Jet Skiing. 2010 results – 2nd Rnd 1 National Point Series 4X Masters 2009 results – ranked #2 overall in National Point Series 4X Masters Podiumed at every 4X race entered except for 2 NPS 4X rnds (4th and 5th) and Podiumed every dh race entered.
Hatch mid flight
Jake Ward – 44Racing – Junior Cat
Jake posing it up
Is possibly the fastest Junior 4X rider in the UK at the moment, has a great attitude and is an all round nice guy. Is an all round rider having podiumed in 4X, BMX and King Of Dirt comps. 2010 will be his first season racing World Cup 4X. 2010 results – 1st 17+ Mens 09/10 East Anglian winter BMX series, 2nd Rnd 1 National Points Series 4X Juniors, 6th 661 Mini Dh FOD Juniors 2009 results – Ranked #5 overall National Points Series 4X Juniors
Jake Ward getting some flow
Jono Jones – 44Racing – Youth Cat
Jono being Jono
Possibly the cheekiest 15 year old around (well apart from his identical twin brother Matt), but one of the funniest and nicest with it, have been mates with Jono for a few years now and spent hundreds of hours riding together. Has an amazing natural talent, but since getting his Last Herb Dh bike he has been owning Dh this year. 2010 results 1st Aston Hill Winter DH Youth (6th fastest time of the day)2nd 661 Mini DH FOD Youth, 3rd Rnd1 National Point Series 4X Youth 2009 results Ranked #4 overall National Points Series 4X Youth
Jono getting pinned into the berm
44Racing Talent Team – a grassroots team for up and coming UK talent.
44Racing Talent Team
Jack Hudson – 44Racing Talent Team/Spy Optics – Junior
Jack with his favourite can of pop
Possibly the most enthusiastic rider I know, I have helped Jack out with his riding for the past 18 or so months. He has a great attitude and is a bit of a Pinkbike star since his 60 Seconds With interview by John Lee.
Jack in full control over the double
Pete “Mop Head” Goddard – 44Racing Talent Team – Senior
Mop Head in full mop mode!
I’ve known Mop Head for years, he gets his name from his hair. If you know anything about UK 4X then you WILL know Mop. A top guy who spends most the time in his own little world, but is a really talented rider.
Mop getting his freak on!
AJ Boardman – 44Racing Talent Team – Elite
AJ chilling in the pits
I used to race in Seniors with AJ so we are old sparring partners, a really nice northern bloke with a huge amount of talent and drive. AJ is in his first season in the Elite cat and will be competing in all of the European rounds of the World Cup 4X. He was a last minute addition to the team, but this was due to not knowing he was up for grabs.
AJ pushing it hard and fast
44Racing and the 44Racing Talent Team are sponsored by;
Last Bikes
Rockstar Energy Drinks
Freestylextreme.com
Fox Racing Europe
Funn Mtb
Funn Brakes
Twenty26 Distribution
Englishbayphotography.co.uk
Where will we be able to see your riders in action this year?
All Team – NPS 4X rounds and 4X National Champs
Jake and A.J – European rounds World Cup 4X Selected rounds European 4X series Various European, National, Regional BMX, XC, 4X, DH and endurance events.
44Racing bike info
4X – 2010 Factory Last Rufus, Funn finishing kit, Funn brakes, Fox suspension.
DH – 2010 Factory Last Herb DH, Funn finishing kit, Funn brakes, Fox suspension.
Endurance/Mini DH – 2011 Factory Last Herb FR, Funn finishing kit, Funn brakes, Fox suspension.
Bikes all lined up for the race season
Round up from the day-
It was an absolute pleasure hanging out and riding with this team all day – and I am a huge fan of brand trust for riders, and Hatch has only chosen to work with sponsors who provide the best kit for his team – and with this natural talent mixed with Hatch’s enthusiasm to see results, we can be sure that this race team will be here to stay for many years! Each rider is a good laugh and has a great attitude towards the sport which is great to see in the UK 4X scene! Have a great season lads it’s gonna be a great landmark one for all of you! Hatch – your Dad would be bloody well proud!
More Pictures from the day – huge thanks to english bay photography for the shots!
Originally scheduled to take place in Schladming, Austria, the sixth round of the 2010 UCI Mountain Bike World… Cup will now take place in another Austrian resort, Leogang (Salzburger Land). The date, (June 19th and 20th) remains unchanged.
Schladming has been on the World Cup calendar since 2004 and has already been voted best event of the series, thanks in particular to its downhill track which is especially appreciated by specialists of the discipline. However, as the popular resort has been awarded the 2013 Ski World Championships, it is currently undergoing important works and transformations which make it impossible to stage the mountain bike event.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) is pleased to announce that another venue will replace Schladming. Leogang has agreed to organise the sixth round of the World Cup, a double event featuring the downhill and four-cross disciplines. The change will allow Leogang, which already has an event registered on the UCI international calendar the following weekend (June 26th and 27th), to provide a veritable mountain bike festival for fans of the sport. The UCI is delighted to have found an excellent alternative on the same date as Schladming, which minimises the implications for the riders, teams and media.
The 2010 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup comprises nine events starting with an Olympic cross-country event in Yorkshire Dalby Forest (GBR) on April 24th and 25th, and finishing with a triple event in Windham (USA) on August 28th and 29th.
More ample information about the Leogang site will soon be available on the Mountain Bike World Cup page of the UCI website.
Looks like Leogang has some good tracks, bring on the rain, they could even send it over the Freeride course at the bottom too?
April 7th saw Commencal and the Athertons launch their new look team, as the complete family roster prepare for a 2010 season back at full strength. 2008 World Champion Rachel, returns this year after having to sit out last year due to an injury sustained in a training accident. With her form nearing one hundred percent you can be sure she will be in the mix for the overall World Cup title and in medal contention once again at the World Championships in September. Despite qualifying fastest at Andorra, Slovenia and Fort William last season, Gee found himself on the other steps of the podium too often come the finals. He finished the season in fourth place and is out to better that this year with an ambitious assault on the Downhill overall title, kicking off in full force at the Slovenian hosted first round in May. Eldest sibling Dan has undertaken a tough winter training schedule, with more emphasis on his speciality Four Cross. Working on his weaknesses from 2009, Dan is now ready to unleash these improvements on the World Cup series.
For their 7th release, allout productions has circled the globe to bring you the sauciness you deserve. From Slovenia to San Diego, ‘Allout’ features hot World Cup action as well as American shredders gettin greasy on their home soil. From start line to finish, this film will have you fiending to grab your bike n get peddlin! Coming April 15th, distributed internationally by VAS.
