Wed 23 Aug 2006
Had the opening ceremony last which was like a mini olympics, then had tea with the aussie team. Ben & Joel told me stories from the US and it was good to catch up with them.
Ben’s starting to get the track dialed in after todays practice sessions and he’s looking good as do Joel & Mitch. I’m surprised how fast they look compared to others. The course is technical but fast with only one short rock garden and lots of riders are casing jumps our boys are smokin, seems like the WA boys have had some good schoolin on WA tracks!
Seeding runs for all DH classes are tomorrow and Benny Bell is first cab off the rank! It’s a hard qualifying process, one run determines the start order then they get one run on Sat to decide who reins the world! No chances for mistakes.
Also went to 4X qualifying & practice today which was insane. The course is unbelieveable, I got to interview Lopes, Carter, Gracia, Rando, Jill Kinter & Luke strom which was awesome. They all said they loved the course but that its way bigger then anyting theyve ridden before.
Sprague Carter says hi!
Sorry I don’t have pics as I’m shooting video, can’t wait to get back & cut it tho, the 4X course is truly mind blowing.
Sad news tho in case u havent already heard, aussie renee junga suffered spinal injuries at the 4X in practice & the word from Auckland hospital is that she won’t walk again. It was pretty intense as I was standing right there. It totally changed the mood in the aussie camp…………….. Dunno what else to say cept that I feel sick………..
Wade Bootes broke his nose and also looks to be out. Rando, Strom, Ameil & Lolyd all qualified so we are lookin good.
What else? Ummm, its bloody cold here, snowed during DH practice, saw a few WA crew, derek price & a few others, the DH course looks good, aussies should go alright I reckon.
Okay I’m out, will post up after seeding runs.
Cheers!