DHI Lourdes 9-10 Apr UCI MTB World Cup Round 1

[Stretch]

which then makes me wonder how this whole GOAT thing is determined. There's also that funny french character called Nico. Surely he should get at least one GoAT sticker?

 

yeah....no questioning that

[RocknRolla]

Please explain the Goat sticker to me?

[NicoBoshoff]

Last year Minnaar finished Lourdes in 11th, this year 15th.  Think you guys are over analyszing this first race. 

 

I think a big part of the field was looking mediocre because they overestimated the need for spikes in their race runs. 

 

But Minnaar doublehopping that bridge jump at the start already signaled something weird.

 

As for Loic, hell of a run, BUT you have to wonder - it's not just the fact that Gwinn is fast, it's the fact that in order to match that the rest of the field is riding beyond their limits.  So, with all due respect (and ffs, I'm a guy from Paarl commenting on the Hub, so really) I don't really care too mutch for Loic's splits because all they tell me is he got lucky for 75% of th track and then got caught out.

 

Far more surprised by Danny Hart.  Must be honest, he doesn't exactly scream "off season fitness" when you look at him, but he looks threatening.

And Smith, well, look out.

 

The one rider I really want to give a PK too is Fairclough.  Whips don't get podiums dude.  Pin it and save that for crankworx.

[Duane_Bosch]

 

As for Loic, hell of a run, BUT you have to wonder - it's not just the fact that Gwinn is fast, it's the fact that in order to match that the rest of the field is riding beyond their limits.  So, with all due respect (and ffs, I'm a guy from Paarl commenting on the Hub, so really) I don't really care too mutch for Loic's splits because all they tell me is he got lucky for 75% of th track and then got caught out.

 

 

Indeed.

[Duane_Bosch]

Please explain the Goat sticker to me?

GOAT = Greatest Of All Time.

 

The term was first used (to my knowledge) to describe the career of Ricky Carmichael.

 

AMA Record

 

15 Championships (Record)

10 Outdoor (Record)

5 Supercross

150 Career wins (Record)

102 MX Wins (Record)

48 SX Wins  (2nd or 3rd all time)

2 perfect seasons (Record) That's winning 24 races. In a row. TWICE!!

[rouxtjie]

....

 

As for Loic, hell of a run, BUT you have to wonder - it's not just the fact that Gwinn is fast, it's the fact that in order to match that the rest of the field is riding beyond their limits.  So, with all due respect (and ffs, I'm a guy from Paarl commenting on the Hub, so really) I don't really care too mutch for Loic's splits because all they tell me is he got lucky for 75% of th track and then got caught out.

 

Far more surprised by Danny Hart.  Must be honest, he doesn't exactly scream "off season fitness" when you look at him, but he looks threatening.

And Smith, well, look out.

 

.

like....you have to admit though...loic went for it, the rest didn't, that in itself says something...he has that believe...also why I said earlier Gwin was riding the lightning....he knew exactly where that lightning will burn your ass....well that is what it looked like to me anyway

 

can it be that we are sitting around the same fire in this year's DH season 

[Headshot]

I agree that the conditions played havoc with peoples strategies and approach to riding the course. Thats racing though and I'd have expected GM to be more canny than many others. 

 

Ya, Loic was the only one to actually pull out all the stops. If he had more race craft he would have ridden slightly more slowly and still won by a second, easily. Besides, his run was probably the most entertaining of the day and his almost off was brilliant to see. Thats what we want  - spectacular, not clinical riding although I'd not put Gwin in the latter bracket either - he is always good to watch as is BF. 

[Stretch]

Last year Minnaar finished Lourdes in 11th, this year 15th.  Think you guys are over analyszing this first race. 

 

I think a big part of the field was looking mediocre because they overestimated the need for spikes in their race runs. 

 

 

last year his hand was strapped to his frikkin bars!

 

I might be wrong, but i think a lot of guys in the top 10 switched to dry tyres...can some confirm?

[Stretch]

I agree that the conditions played havoc with peoples strategies and approach to riding the course. Thats racing though and I'd have expected GM to be more canny than many others. 

 

Ya, Loic was the only one to actually pull out all the stops. If he had more race craft he would have ridden slightly more slowly and still won by a second, easily. Besides, his run was probably the most entertaining of the day and his almost off was brilliant to see. Thats what we want  - spectacular, not clinical riding although I'd not put Gwin in the latter bracket either - he is always good to watch as is BF. 

 

correcto...the only run that got me off my seat

[Mntboy]

Agreed. I think he's matured a bit over the last year or so. Tend to forget he's only 26, so he's still pretty inexperienced when it comes to stuff like that. Humility seems to be on the increase. Still one HELLUVA racer, and a deserved win.

 

Loic though, what a run!!! So miffed he dint make it stick. But this is racing, and it's a fine line between just enough and too much. He's damn fast though. Sorta reminds me of Hill back when he was first on the scene...

Will admit to being caught off guard yesterday when Gwin said what he said re Bruni. However upon reflection I think with forming the YT mob it required him to confront mistakes from his past, correct them to a degree and it has grounded him in ways that is yet to reveal itself fully. A less arrogant Gwin the sport could do with and benefit greatly from.

 

Bruni once again proved himself a very bright talent. He just needs to learn to eliminate the small errors, maintain a high level of consistency and he'll outstrip both Gwin and Minnaar ito World Cup and World Championship wins.

 

Sent from my GT-S6790 using Tapatalk

[Stretch]

and in case it was missed...

 

http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p5pb13356807/p5pb13356807.jpg

[MarcBurger]

• Lourdes is not GM's strong point, so no judgement there. Plenty races coming up.

Most entertaining ride of the day: Ratty's "I don't care, I'm having a jol" (Whatever his messed-up Brit version of Jol is)

Bruni: Unfortunately staying on your bike is just as important as going fast. He should have chilled a bit after nearly wiping the first time.

Gwinn: Still a D-bag, but lesser so at the moment.

[s14phoenix]

I like Minnaar's style of riding. Smooth and fast without looking out of control.

 

Can never count him out... no matter the season's start.

 

I don't like Gwinn but credit where it is due.

 

GO MINNAAAAAAR!!!!

[Duane_Bosch]

Bruni once again proved himself a very bright talent. He just needs to learn to eliminate the small errors, maintain a high level of consistency and he'll outstrip both Gwin and Minnaar ito World Cup and World Championship wins.

 

Easy tiger! He hasn't won a World Cup yet.

[NicoBoshoff]

like....you have to admit though...loic went for it, the rest didn't, that in itself says something...he has that believe...also why I said earlier Gwin was riding the lightning....he knew exactly where that lightning will burn your ass....well that is what it looked like to me anyway

 

can it be that we are sitting around the same fire in this year's DH season 

I just think right now Gwinn has that edge of "Hey guess what, I'm the only one comfortable at the edge.  You guys need luck on your side plus speed."  But yeah, I really hope Loic smokes him once or twice to really make this an all time season.

 

And don't worry, I'm sure you'll say something ridiculous and I'll overreact and balance will be restored ;-P

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I just think right now Gwinn has that edge of "Hey guess what, I'm the only one comfortable at the edge. You guys need luck on your side plus speed." But yeah, I really hope Loic smokes him once or twice to really make this an all time season.

 

And don't worry, I'm sure you'll say something ridiculous and I'll overreact and balance will be restored ;-P

Agreed fully with you and roux. Lol. I'm beginning to see Gwin slightly differently now. Seems more grounded, and I think a lot of it was due to the reflection he would have HAD to undergo in dealing with Whiteley again...