The action starts with the Juniors. Women go first, but with no GB interest it’s likely to be a battle between France’s Pugin and Pagot for the title.
While the small female field is still catching its breath the Junior Men are into the start gate. With three riders placed in the top ten in qualifying — Josh Bryceland, Joseph O’Connor and Sam Dale — British chances are realistically high. A fourth rider, Danny Hart, is also flying in the flag and between them the Brits will be hoping to capitalise of Ruaridh Cunningham’s success in 2007.
After lunch it’s the elite women’s turn. Of the 26 starters, it again looks set to be a three-way face-off between Brits Tracy Moseley and Rachel Atherton, and France’s reigning champ Sabrina Jonnier. The conditions are perfect, all rode well in practice and it’s anyone’s to win.
Finally the 100+ elite men take centre stage. Ben Cathro, Marc Beaumont, Brendan Fairclough, Steve Peat and Gee Atherton are representing Team GB. Again, with four riders placing in the top 15 in practice it’s looks good for some kind of podium places though it’s way too close to call. Expect it to go to the wire Fort William-style with the likes of Minnaar (RSA), Barel (Fra), Hill and Rennie (Aus) and one or two rough-stuffers like Kovarik (Aus) and Pascal (Fra) in the mix. Perm three from ten as the bookies would say.
The forecast rain looks very unlikely at the moment, the sun’s out again, though a handful of grey clouds are forming. Let’s hope for a clear day and a level playing field — as level as a super techie DH course can be! If the rain should materialise, only Barel starting mid-pack may have an advantage.
Come on you Brits!
RESULTS SO FAR:
CROSS-COUNTRY U23 MEN
1 — Nino Schurter (Sui)
2 — Burry Stander (RSA)
3 — Matthias Fluckiger (Sui)
Best Brits: Ian Bibby (27th), Ross Creber (47th), David Fletcher (57th), Ian Field (DNF).
CROSS-COUNTRY JUNIORS MEN
1 — Peter Sagan (Svk)
2 — Arnaud Jouffroy (Fra)
3 — Matthias Rupp (Sui)
Best Brits: Hamish Creber (39th), Alex Paton (47th), Sebastian Batchelor (50th).
CROSS-COUNTRY U23 WOMEN
1 — Tanja Zakelj (Slo)
2 — Nathalie Schneitter (Sui)
3 — Aleksandra Dawidowidz (Pol)
CROSS-COUNTRY JUNIORS WOMEN
1 — Laura Abril (Col)
2 — Barbara Benko (Hun)
3 — Mona Eiberweiser (Ger)
Best Brit: Annie Last (9th)