Round 2 of the World Cup has come and gownnnnnn. I travelled out to the alpine village of Champery, Switz last Wednesday in the company of my ex-teamie, the Giant Ben Cathro (who hates gurkins…long story!). It was an EPIC brain fart of a journey, planes, trains and automobiles central. I landed in Geneva (the only airport to have the bing-bongs to ‘how much is that doggy in the window, as there tannoy announcement intro) Gary Forest, Ben and I had a sport of brekki then Ben and I caught the train along the scenic Lake Geneva and up to the race Village. I landed with 30 mins to go before the lifts stopped, Fi threw me a pass and we went for a ‘turn’ on the Gondola.
Course walking was mammoth! The course is so steep it is unreal; it is actually easier to ride than to walk down! We all (boys and all) slip slided our way down using every technique possible, including the famous bum shuffle! On first inspection, the course looked like a dream, few roots, rocks and jumps, just good ole skool natural DH! My first run down on Thursday was nothing short of disastrous; the course had been spat on by the DEW DEVILS and was treacherously slippy! It took me a lifetime to get down; I spent half of my time perfecting my Klinsman technique (sliding head first on your tummy!) like a true novice afterbeing bucker-rude over the handlebars!! I had a more hard crashes over the course of the weekend than in the last 3 years put together. I landed on my flower so many times I lost count, I landed hard on my kidney and nearly peeded my panties (NICE!) and I got up with so much foliage hanging off everything, I could have been mistaken for a salad!! Needless to say, I am covered in bruises, my hands are killing from hangin on, and my ladies bits have seen better days! There is NOTHING glam about racing DH some weekends!
The guys race was just like Vigo, the heavens opened half way through the final. The course was reduced to a death rink, none of the guys made it down without crashing, and it was sad to watch. The majority of the guys have worked and trained so hard for the season, its sad to see them struggle and be held back by a track that in my eyes should never be on the W.C. circuit. Somehow Sam Hill (the last man down) opened a massif can of whoop ass. He rode into an incredible 3rd place with skill and precision that was testament to his phenomenal ability. I for one, and the people around me were left stunned, mouths wide open. Although there was a lack of seats and everyone was standing. Sam received what could be classed as a standing ovation for his gallent efforts. Its was nothing short of an amazing sporting moment.
The after party was a little lame, but with the help of Wee Jill, her new found ability to fly and break fridges, Fionn and her nose for mischief, Buhly and her penchant for shots and beer chasers, Sam Blenkinsops private bar and D (Mr Yeti) and his fetish for dressing up like kitchen staff…it was a giggle!
So, I made it through quaili and finished 21st in the final! That leaves me 20th overall in the points. I’m pleased with that, not ecstatic!! I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do on a good course, Champery will go down in my memories as a track which tested your guts, your nerves, determination and most of all, your ability to hang on! I much prefer riding courses that test your ability to RIDE fast!
Big up to Fionn who got the first W.C podium for Griffiths Racing (3rd in the 4x)! Good going Gal-friend!!
See yaw on the Flip Side…..Hormoné
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