PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (transcendmagazine.com) -- It's overcast and extremely humid today in South Africa. It rained all night, but things seem to dry out fairly quickly here, despite the humidity. Not many people are about, and most team pits are not set up yet, besides the organizer provided white tents.
People seem to be keeping a low profile away from the heat and bugs, but things will get busy starting with walking tomorrow. Qualifying for the DH takes place on Friday at 1:30pm local time here, with the race on Sunday. If it works out, this will be the new format for the entire 2009 season.
The course here is a bit of a letdown. It's a high 3 minute, 2.8 Km freeway with a HUGE flat section in the middle. It will roll if it's dry, if it is wet, things could get ugly and fitness will really come into play. The upper section is technical and steep, but very short before the pedaling starts. There is one large rock garden and only a couple of non bermed corners. This track will make it obvious who hit the trainer in the off season.
The only rock garden on the course starts with a very large roll in off of a tight corner. Mick Hannah crashed hard here during practice for the National race last week and smashed up his fork lowers pretty nicely.
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