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Edited Date/Time
9/1/2022 6:56pm
Wanna talk Worlds? Here's the place to do it! News, bike pics, gossip - post 'em if you got'em!
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Forbidden Synthesis factory rider and Australian national downhill champion, Connor Fearon, will miss the world championships in Les Gets and the World Cup finals in Val di Sole due to a concussion sustained in practice at the Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup.
As some of you may have spotted, Connor did not make finals in MSA nor did he complete his qualification run the day before, pulling off-track midway through his run due to an unknown problem. The day before in practice, Connor had a few spills on track - nothing out of the ordinary for top DH riders getting to grips with the track - but one crash, in particular, left some lasting effects that we have only recently become fully aware of.
After abandoning his qualification run, Connor’s (and the team’s) strategy was to take stock of the situation and give him the necessary room to recuperate as they headed West to Whistler and Crankworx - a favourite of Connor’s and an event where he’s done well before. During the trip there, it became clear that something was seriously wrong and after some appointments with medical professionals in British Columbia, Connor was diagnosed with a concussion by the time you read this, will be back at home in Adelaide, South Australia.
“My attention, first and foremost, is always focused on the health and safety of the team. Travelling together as we have, for so many years, means we are more than just co-workers, but a tight-knit family group with a shared purpose and passion for racing. Working with Connor these past 11 years means we’ve had our fair share of hospital visits and ambulance rides, so for me, it is very hard to see him hurt and disappointed when he’s not able to race. He knows better than anyone that I prefer everyone to be safe rather than over-risking it and ending up injured, on the sidelines, and not racing.
But accidents can and do happen and Connor’s crash, during practice in Mont-Sainte-Anne, was nothing out of the ordinary, yet the knock he sustained to his head has resulted in a concussion. A bit battered and bruised, the rest of his body is fine, but concussions are thankfully now taken very seriously and after a week-and-a-half off the bike, we have decided that despite some improvements, Connor will sit out the upcoming world championships and World Cup finals.
Connor is understandably very disappointed and doesn’t want to let anyone down and ultimately, wants to show everyone how fast the new Forbidden downhill bike is. It’s the fastest bike he’s ridden to date and with such a short amount of time on it this summer, he’s yet to show its full potential. As with most injuries, the doctors are confident Connor will return to normal and heal over the coming weeks and come back more determined than ever.” - Matt Dupelle, Forbidden Synthesis Team Manager
We wish Connor a speedy recovery and will keep you updated as and when we have any news to share regarding his progress and plans, once he’s cleared to ride again. The off-season in Australia is a busy one and Connor already has his eyes fixed on several events (including Crankworx, Cairns) to help prepare him for the World Cup circuit in 2023.
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https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/uci-mountain-bike-world-champions…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qyasitIf9A
https://www.redbull.com/int-en/live/uci-mountain-bike-world-championshi…
So national teams will burn up a spot with riders who are injured? Seems it would be better to let another rider get that experience with her spot.
Doesn't look like SBS on demand or Kayo has it listed.
Looks like I'll have to fire up a VPN and pretend to be from Africa too.
Why is it like this every year?
Unfortunately Wyn did his best results after the selection cut off (USA & CAD) once the selection had already be advised to riders.
But Wyn has mentioned that the UCI gives out too many UCI point for Oceania and Natioanls. This is where riders ahead of him in the ranking gained their points. As Wyn is Euro based its not worth coming to NZ or Aussie. So risked staying in Europe. Unfortunately that did not pay off this year.
Gutting, as he is on form in the wetter & techy conditions, and Les Gets looks to be wet.
But what do ya do now? Dump someone who qualified via the same method? Who makes that call to be subjective? Is being subjective after the fact fair on everyone?
Albania, Slovakia, Sweden or UK can watch here
https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/uci-mountain-bike-world-champions…
France can watch here
https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/uci-mountain-bike-world-champions…
here is the list of NON-restricted countries to watch on redbull.tv
https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/uci-mountain-bike-world-champions…
flobikes.com pricing is approx $150/year IIRC and i think that's the only option available.
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