I think it was more brazen than sketchy.
Either way, fantastic racing.
1 Like
Coming of the ramp / bridge thing - it just looked like Fluckiger coasted whereas Nino got full on the gas. Nothing sketchy as far as I saw.
1 Like
Agreed. Flueckiger opened the door and Nino knew the race would be won into the last corner.
He didn’t even have to dive that aggressively to get his bars in front but immediately had the racing line and position.
Those 2.4 Maxxis tyres looked good and grippy! His tyres seemed noticeably bigger than those around him, and his bike seemed more confident/planted through some of the fast dusty sections. There’s obviously a bunch of factors there like rider skill, bike geo/set up, but still…
Yes I noticed his tyre volume looked big.
He almost got it wrong on the last downhill rock garden - not sure if you saw it? Clearly trying hard to make sure he was either in front or right at Flueckiger’s wheel coming into the last corner.
1 Like
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CTJ_YgtnUf0/?utm_medium=copy_link
As expected, Mathias has cooled off a bit.
For those who don’t watch it, he basically says he let the emotions get the better of him yesterday, and that he isn’t as salty. He thinks the move was rude, and that he wouldn’t do it, but that it was clean and a part of racing that he’ll learn from.
3 Likes
He clipped Nino’s arm when overtaking him on a climb, so I would say that’s more rude than anything else.
1 Like
I didn’t see that on first view (my excuse - watching on my phone while getting the kids breakfast etc sorted).
I’m watching it again now on the trainer so I’ll keep an eye out.
I will say from the first lap and a half, there’s a noticeable difference in ability to flow over the chunk between Nino and Mathias even early. How much of that is extra rubber, bike suspension/set up, and rider, we’ll never know.
I know this is XC-focused, but has anyone else noticed that both Nino and Greg said they just love to ride? It’s pretty amazing to see the 2013 champs repeat in XC and DH on the men’s side. I’m guessing it’s the joy that keeps them at it.
5 Likes
I do believe he genuinely loves to ride his MTB. Just look at the way he loves to play even mid World Cup/Championship XCO he’ll throw in a whip to make himself (and his fans) smile.
So stoked, they’re my favorite riders in their discipline.
1 Like
Ditto.
Still love watching Greg’s epic - almost made me buy a Tallboy at the time
1 Like
Some more terrific racing in the XCC at Lenzerheide.
Nino looked strong, and Flueckiger looks ridiculously motivated. Avancinii will be stoked to find get back on top after a funny year.
Evie looks terrific and Jolanda I think has good legs based on how she bridged to the leaders. I’m picking Jolanda and Flueckiger, but I want Nino to beat Absalon’s record!
Observation on the way Evie rides, does she sit on the seat in the dropped position? Or is it just the way the camera shots caught her.
Ninos pass on Mathias on the last lap was absolute wizardry.
2 Likes
It was! Wonder if Mathias will have anything to say. It was masterful.
Great ride from Koretzky. Shame Nino couldn’t have been closer when he struck out for the line.
Another monster ride from Sam Gaze from the sixth row!
Evie looks great in Rainbow and sure has amazing form. Courtney looked a bit more comfortable than she has for a year and a half.
2 Likes
Anyone have a video of this pass?
1 Like
I don’t sorry. It happens at 1:17:41 of the race clock.
1 Like
Yeah it’s worth watching the entire last lap. Insanity. Red Bull has the entire race up on replay.
2 Likes
What team do you guys think Lecomte is going to go to next year.
I feel like the big names Spec, Trek, Scott are already pretty stacked. Maybe Absalon/canyon? Does Cannondale need a good female rider?
Do Cannondale have any female riders?
I can’t see her going to Absalon’s team and taking more shine away from PFP.
Is her contract with Massi up this year?