Inaugural UCI XCO Eliminator replaces 4x

[nigelhicks]

did any of you guys watch the XCO eliminator fro Hoffalize?

 

Was actually pretty cool racing to watch. Nice to see an ex DH/slalom/dual/4x rider destroying the XC guys.

AND Lopes was using a dropper post! hahaha

 

http://extreme.com/mountainbike/1020934/uci-mtb-world-cup-2012-xce-1-cross-country-eliminator-finals-houffalize-belgium

 

What are your guys thoughts on the new discipline?

 

http://cdn0.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn.net//2012/04/14/1/melim_dsc7891_600.jpg

 

The start "gate" - like the sophistication of the riders being held up by some dude behind them - talk about start accuracy!

 

http://cdn3.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn.net//2012/04/14/1/melim_dsc7651_600.jpg

 

http://cdn4.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn.net//2012/04/14/1/melim_dsc8240_600.jpg

 

Lopes the MACHINE!

[gummibear]

No but chatting to the guys yesterday it seemed like fun for the spectators.

[nigelhicks]

looked pretty good on tv - i'd say they need more "aggressive" technical sections and lots of areas for passing (but thats always hard to make) ... but for the first round ... i think it was pretty good!

 

Personally still prefer the 4x format to watch - but .... I know the reasoning behind the removal of 4x by the UCI ... and we will wait and see what happens!

[gummibear]

They were playing some of the races on the big screens and it looked really cool but those hills were damn steep.

[CAAD4]

Was Lopes riding a Tranny?

[Tumbleweed]

[nigelhicks]

Was Lopes riding a Tranny?

 

Excuse the ignorance as to a "Tranny" .... but if i think i know what you mean - he was running a 1x10 setup. - on those climbs!! EISH!!

 

http://cdn1.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn.net//2012/04/14/1/melim_dsc7856_600.jpg

[dman2]

Look like the same format as 4X except the start is at the bottom of the hill.

And the downhill does not have any of the big airs, fast loose corners and tight battles that 4X had.

I have to say it was disappointing.

Maybe if the course was more technical uphill with multiple lines and downhill section that actually required a dropper seat post, maybe it will be more exciting.

[Tumbleweed]

Was Lopes riding a Tranny?

 

According to facebook:

 

Just over a week ago, we were down in Laguna Beach, watching Brian Lopes win the 29th or so Leapin Lizard Downhill race on his Mojo HD. Fast forward to today, Brian is in Belgium at the World Cup in Houffalize, racing Cross Country this time. And we have some GREAT news, Brian (now 40 years old) has won his race, the XC Eliminator, on his Ibis Tranny, beating a stacked field of younger riders. 40 is the new 20, when you're Brian. Congrats Brian, we're happy for you! What a stud. What other racer has this kind of versatility at the elite end of the sport?

[nigelhicks]

Look like the same format as 4X except the start is at the bottom of the hill.

And the downhill does not have any of the big airs, fast loose corners and tight battles that 4X had.

I have to say it was disappointing.

Maybe if the course was more technical uphill with multiple lines and downhill section that actually required a dropper seat post, maybe it will be more exciting.

 

Yeah thats what they are going for ... but like all disciplines ... needs to start somewhere ... hopefully the courses progress and become challenging for the XC okes ...

[nigelhicks]

AAAAHHH ... so a "Tranny" is the bike! ... hahaha

[gummibear]

Excuse the ignorance as to a "Tranny" .... but if i think i know what you mean - he was running a 1x10 setup. - on those climbs!! EISH!!

 

http://cdn1.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn.net//2012/04/14/1/melim_dsc7856_600.jpg

 

It's been a while since i saw PROs riding 3X10 and yesterday there were quite a few on those hills.Parts of the route is used by the Trials motor bike clubs.

[Capricorn]

it was ok. Other than Lopes, all the other gravity stars got smoked on those climbs. As was mentioned earlier, I think it can be improved: Tracks be abit longer, bit wider with more lines to make it more strategic. At houffalize, if u reached the top of the last steep climb, all you had to do was hold your line and you'd win. overtaking was almost impossible, at best a crap shoot. There was no obvious advantage to those more skilled at gravity events, so it's definitely more XC-fitness oriented. Add, some drops and rock gardens on the descents with decent width tracks, and then things could get a bit more interesting. but that smacks of mini-enduro. Would still be fun to watch i reckon.

[wesley_r]

Lopes, what a machine...

 

@Cap - mini-enduro? sounds awesome where do I sign up

[(Deon)]

What was the distance? See Lopes pumped the slopes.. Works huh?

[milky4130]

did any of you guys watch the XCO eliminator fro Hoffalize?

 

Was actually pretty cool racing to watch. Nice to see an ex DH/slalom/dual/4x rider destroying the XC guys.

AND Lopes was using a dropper post! hahaha

 

http://extreme.com/mountainbike/1020934/uci-mtb-world-cup-2012-xce-1-cross-country-eliminator-finals-houffalize-belgium

 

What are your guys thoughts on the new discipline?

 

http://cdn0.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn.net//2012/04/14/1/melim_dsc7891_600.jpg

 

The start "gate" - like the sophistication of the riders being held up by some dude behind them - talk about start accuracy!

 

http://cdn3.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn.net//2012/04/14/1/melim_dsc7651_600.jpg

 

http://cdn4.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn.net//2012/04/14/1/melim_dsc8240_600.jpg

 

Lopes the MACHINE!

& ex bmxer.