A week off between La Bresse World Cup and the XC World Cup in Nove Mesto meant a chance to ride bikes, drink beers, travel across Europe (twice) and then get to Italy for great coffee! Photos by Gary Perkin
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When you have a week off between races, sometimes it's more soul-satisfying to take the roads less traveled. The 'long way around' can often deliver the best gems, as this road high above Monaco did on the way to Peille. -Sven Martin
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That road to Peille (previous slide) may just take you past here. A stop off visit with a couple of rainbow jersey holders was special even though one of them was laid out with injury and will be missing Val Di Sole. -Sven Martin
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Old schooler Dougie Fresh brought some of the newest school frames to the pits today, the new Santa Cruz V10s with all carbon rear end. It was like Christmas in the Syndicate pits! Stay tuned for a full feature on Thursday. Photo by Gary Perkin
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An ever-so-slightly tongue in check welcome to Val di Sole for the World Cup finals! The hills are alive with the sound of moosic…and downhill! Photo by Gary Perkin (SO RICH BIG G!)
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How did we get to World Cup Finals already? But I have to admit I'm stoked to have it in Val di Sole. Lil' Jon approved. Let me hear you say Yeah!! Photo by Gary Perkin
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It's the bottom line that is all important in this photo. If I hear one complaint from anyone about the heat and dust, I think we can just remind them about the muddy Russian roulette rut fest of nearly every other World Cup this season. -Sven Martin
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While the weather report looks good with high temperatures forecast all week through Sunday, it still is a World Cup, so I'm sure we can expect a few late afternoon thundershower build-ups like this. We are in the mountains after all. -Sven Martin
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Mandatory Deep-Summer-establishing-mossy-textured hippy-vibe-tree shot, paired with the number everyone will be gunning for this weekend. -Sven Martin
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Rachel Atherton also won here in 2008 but sat out with injury last year. She is looking forward to the next two races and is using this as preparation for Worlds. -Sven Martin
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Of course no track walk feature would be complete without the mandatory pizza toppings, featured mid track, mid tape. Whether this one on the magic line or not, only time will tell. -Sven Martin
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My only disappointment with this year's track, which is long and full on without rest for it's entire duration, is the finish fade away sender that has brought us so much entertainment in years past. It now avoids the fly-off (outside of tape on right) and instead comes in at a much tamer, big long corner into the last loose lefty. Oh well we will have to see how it all shakes out. -Sven Martin
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Since Vital is a family website, and this is Wednesday, I thought I would bring you this shot of the typical Italian family out for a bike ride. I swear that's the only reason. -Name withheld
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Gee Atherton has some history here. Winner of the World Champs in 2008, he will surely want to repeat the performance this year since there are only two more races to be won. -Sven Martin
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Ben Reid, Irishman, tea-drinker, lady killer and practice dominator fills us in on his track walk techniques. No shirt required. -Sven Martin
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Normally by August I'm heading for burnout, but I was at the XC World Cup Nove Mesto na Morave, Czech Republic, last the weekend, and now that burnout is replaced with a pride and goosebumps every time I think about the awesome race, crowds and venue! Photo by Gary Perkin
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Mesto na Morave, Czech Republic, XC World Cup crowds.
12 hours on the road from Belgium to Val di Sole and the trucks need a good wash in preparation for the arrival of the fans in Val di Sole. Photo by Gary Perkin
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Dougie Fresh back on the scene and straight into action. Welcome back we've missed you! Photo by Gary Perkin
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No bike park-ing out here on this track. Well maybe the fact that it's been ridden all summer before we got here means the track is rougher than a rough thing after a particularly rough night out in the rough part of town! Photo by Gary Perkin
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The shadow dance.
Ahh, Italy, the Dolomites. Lago Di Garda, the annual pre- and post-Val Di Sole stop off point where the descents are long and rocky and the water is always warm. It was great while it lasted! -Sven Martin
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Description
The sun is out, the track is rowdy and the racers get ready for the final stop of the 2011 UCI World Cup Downhill schedule. Aaron Gwin has the overall victory, but every rider within range is gunning for first place on the day. Who will take it?
View replies to: 2011 UCI World Cup, Val di Sole Warm Up
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