First day of practice at the Pietermaritzburg MTB World Cup, and the downhill guys are getting warmed up. The course isn’t as forgiving as some might have thought and the additions are catching some riders out.
Josh ‘Ratboy’ Bryceland still deciding to run the full Santa Cruz V10 DH rig over the new Nomad
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Local PMB rider Ali Fey’s bike showing the demands of the rough sections
Andrew Cumming moments before a devastating crash on the “money maker” jump, in which he broke his leg, putting him out of the event
The final rock section – no changes from last year a but a tight new corner in making it difficult to carry speed
Steve Peat, feeling the heat after a long practice day
Mitch Popelato on his 29er carbon Specialized Enduro
Steve Peat coming over a long and low in the mid-section of the track
It was bright out today
The legend Steve Peak competing in his world cup 107th WC
Sam Hill coming back into the pits after 8th fastest down the hill on his custom Nuke Proof all mountain/downhill hybrid ride
Steve Peat coming over a long and low in the mid-section of the track
The track wasn’t as tame and forgiving as many first thought, claiming early victims
Local RSA boy Duran Van Eeden get crazy on the track
Image credit: Eric Palmer
Words by: Ryan Franklin – Monster Energy
