MARIBOR, Slovenia (transcendmagazine.com) -- Walking inspection here in Maribor is tomorrow morning (Thursday). Today was an off day with racers and teams showing up and setting up shop. Flights into Graz are full to overflowing with bikes, so it'll be a fun game to see who actually has a bike come practice.
Hot and sunny today, with no rain in sight. The 4x course is all done, and the organizers are using quickcrete to firm up a few lips. Same general course as last year, wallride included. There are a few extra features including a fairly large hip.
The Dh course is dusty and loose, with a few changes. The first table that most riders had to brake check into is now a huge launch ramp that will have to be pedaled into to clear to a near endless transition. The infamous rock garden has been widened slightly to allow for more line choice. The wooden ramp that riders jump onto at the finish is gone, and in it's place is a sweet dirt ramp with long, smooth run in. Riders will be absolutely flying out of the woods towards the finish, it will be interesting to see how far the top men actually go, as the landing is fairly short and blown up.
I spoke with Brian Lopes about his plans for the new season this evening after dinner for freecaster.tv.
Course photos shortly.
10am beers get you back on the right timezone.
10am beer? :) But next time choose Lasko.
See you on Saturday Fraser :)