On Keifer, I don’t know a single dude who races that would hit the wand and not keep going in a sheer panic to salvage time. Last...
On Keifer, I don’t know a single dude who races that would hit the wand and not keep going in a sheer panic to salvage time. Last time I raced, got zoned out & left when they said “10 Seconds”. I just went because I knew it would be sorted at the bottom but nothing good could come of stopping
Not to get too far into the weeds on it but he should've been a DNS right? I thought once the countdown begins riders only have a certain amount of time to exit the start hut, I guess since he tripped the wand maybe it negates that.
I have to agree though, once the wand is tripped its go time.
They messed around with that bike, jamming an UMBRELLA at it (don’t all these super mechanics carry those Knipex pliers they’re always talking about?), for what—3 minutes? Is that not as egregious a delay as AON junior?
That's the real kicker. The situation was bad enough as is. But being, essentially, right after a junior being DQd for being seconds? late... A minute? How late was he... How can you be so inconsistent?
Also, dunno if people already talked about it but Gracey's run needs to be remembered as one of the greatest come back runs in womens DH history. She was DEAD LAST at split 1. By the finish line, she was over 3 up. She gained OVER SIX SECONDS, in all the hardest parts of the track. Against an in-form Vali Holl (who was P1 at all splits except the last).
Jacko also got back all his time in the second half after an iffy top half. Both kids OBLITERATED that second half...
That's the real kicker. The situation was bad enough as is. But being, essentially, right after a junior being DQd for being seconds? late... A minute...
That's the real kicker. The situation was bad enough as is. But being, essentially, right after a junior being DQd for being seconds? late... A minute? How late was he... How can you be so inconsistent?
Also, dunno if people already talked about it but Gracey's run needs to be remembered as one of the greatest come back runs in womens DH history. She was DEAD LAST at split 1. By the finish line, she was over 3 up. She gained OVER SIX SECONDS, in all the hardest parts of the track. Against an in-form Vali Holl (who was P1 at all splits except the last).
Jacko also got back all his time in the second half after an iffy top half. Both kids OBLITERATED that second half...
Gracey was one of the few Elite Women I saw on broadcast being on that edge of control. She was probably really pushing, resulting in some great times but some razor-thin margins for error. There were 2-3 moments I thought she was going to lose it, and that made for an insanely exciting run.
Jackson really had to play to his strengths in the steeps, as being a lighter rider the flat section was probably harder to carry speed on.
What a great race to (legally, for sure) watch! I am starting to really like this track
hauser's blocked first run (heard rider crashed, was concussed, told not to drop but still did). apparently hauser's time still good enough for show so he...
hauser's blocked first run (heard rider crashed, was concussed, told not to drop but still did). apparently hauser's time still good enough for show so he didn't take the rerun (he was on start list again after his initial time).
on this "heard rider crashed, was concussed, told not to drop but still did" .. its a shame this (potential concussion) can be easily brushed off by some individuals these days... I can easily understand the huge amounts of pressure and lack of understanding of the actual consequences of this being a terrible combination.. ALL THE INDUSTRY NEEDS TO DO BETTER IF THIS IS TRUE.. and I am really biased if this was one of my fellow South Americans.. you may really need to be better surrounded, coached and protected.. it's sad.
The Canadian [Gracey] was off the pace in the top sectors of the course, trailing Valentina Höll at the early splits, only to storm through the bottom half of the course to take the win.
“I just tried the death grip and went as fast as I could. I was a bit scared of the loose stuff but was fully pinned everywhere else,” Hemstreet relayed after the race. “I was just cautious in those sketchy areas and then let it go on the rest. The triple at the top, I couldn’t hit it, I rolled it, it was hard.”
she entered that 'zone' every racer wishes they can enter. Myriam put down a heater in Q1, Vali put down a heater in the finals... Gracey went 3 up on those times... From 3 down at the top. I really hope this performance doesn't get brushed over for being womens category and a 'self imposed' handicap from a top split. But she really did pull over 6 seconds on Vali from split 1 on... One of the greatest womens runs of all time
Really hope leogangs broadcast meets the quality of racing I’m sure these ladies are going to bring. They were not shown properly in Loudenvielle. Which is a shame cause the racing is all time right now.
On Keifer, I don’t know a single dude who races that would hit the wand and not keep going in a sheer panic to salvage time. Last...
On Keifer, I don’t know a single dude who races that would hit the wand and not keep going in a sheer panic to salvage time. Last time I raced, got zoned out & left when they said “10 Seconds”. I just went because I knew it would be sorted at the bottom but nothing good could come of stopping
Not to get too far into the weeds on it but he should've been a DNS right? I thought once the countdown begins riders only have...
Not to get too far into the weeds on it but he should've been a DNS right? I thought once the countdown begins riders only have a certain amount of time to exit the start hut, I guess since he tripped the wand maybe it negates that.
I have to agree though, once the wand is tripped its go time.
My take on it is the same as if you had a technical on course and it takes 7 minutes extra to get down the track, you still score a time. at least, that would be devil's advocate's arguement.
That's the real kicker. The situation was bad enough as is. But being, essentially, right after a junior being DQd for being seconds? late... A minute...
That's the real kicker. The situation was bad enough as is. But being, essentially, right after a junior being DQd for being seconds? late... A minute? How late was he... How can you be so inconsistent?
Also, dunno if people already talked about it but Gracey's run needs to be remembered as one of the greatest come back runs in womens DH history. She was DEAD LAST at split 1. By the finish line, she was over 3 up. She gained OVER SIX SECONDS, in all the hardest parts of the track. Against an in-form Vali Holl (who was P1 at all splits except the last).
Jacko also got back all his time in the second half after an iffy top half. Both kids OBLITERATED that second half...
On Downtime pod, he and Chris K discussed that after seeing Gracie's run, he felt like it was a good bet that Jackson would win. The variable wind took away the advantage all the larger riders were gaining up top, leaving those who were quick on the second half of the track a pathway to victory.
Still have to put it all together, though, and both of the Canadians did that!
On Keifer, I don’t know a single dude who races that would hit the wand and not keep going in a sheer panic to salvage time. Last...
On Keifer, I don’t know a single dude who races that would hit the wand and not keep going in a sheer panic to salvage time. Last time I raced, got zoned out & left when they said “10 Seconds”. I just went because I knew it would be sorted at the bottom but nothing good could come of stopping
Not to get too far into the weeds on it but he should've been a DNS right? I thought once the countdown begins riders only have...
Not to get too far into the weeds on it but he should've been a DNS right? I thought once the countdown begins riders only have a certain amount of time to exit the start hut, I guess since he tripped the wand maybe it negates that.
I have to agree though, once the wand is tripped its go time.
As a former race promoter, I’d say this. Making ZERO exceptions is more widely accepted POST race. Hard time cut offs & heavy handed rule enforcement make timing accuracy & “fair” racing possible.
The other 99 racers there on a strict schedule PLANNING for zero mistakes expect that goes for all. The second you’re in the start gate, zero chance to back out. Zero assistance. You’ve got 5 seconds to break the beam or the clock starts itself. In the gate for 6 seconds…no excuses.
Only things to change a schedule are those that change it for EVERYONE.
Timing system dies. Lift malfunction. Medical. Severe weather.
Where the disconnect happened was the officials up top. Hard line crossed by the junior rider missing his time was enforced. Smart decision by staff.
Rider before Kiefer didn’t start so the time gap created a “casual” break. It’s unclear if he was pushed into that earlier slot (thus being rushed into the start hut) OR he had hung around & course was empty for that DNS rider.
Been at tons of races & that ONE change of a “ghost rider” opens Pandora’s Box & racers & officials screw something up.
Answer is to stay on schedule, treat the vacant slot as a “ghost” on course, keep communication(have course Marshall’s relay to spectators ghost on course) & not put Kiefer in the box until his standard time.
There looked to be “too many cooks in the kitchen” when it happened. Needs to be the starter & rider & NOBODY else. Saw 4 people all yapping with different accents.
Oh man, the lack of shit commentary was bliss in those replays.Was there none in the live broadcast too... I might just pay up and subscribe...
Oh man, the lack of shit commentary was bliss in those replays.
Was there none in the live broadcast too... I might just pay up and subscribe if thats the case
I paid for the subscription this weekend (pretty cheap month-by-month in NZ) and was very impressed with the coverage. I think the commentary has come a long way since the Warner Bros beginnings. No cringe moments for me, just a healthy dose of tension and excitement all the way through. I think they have the formula right now. Glad that I signed up, it was worth the money.
Post-race Frenchie convo with Amaury and Nathan Pontvianne that has english subtitles.
That was interesting. They don’t even want to talk about Jackson. I think they know they are fucked if he lays that down every weekend. It’s cool how loose they are in French, cracking jokes.
How about Ryan Pinkerton into 6th and 11th at Poland. 2nd year Elite, checkers or wreckers last year but seems to have matured a ton this year and throws down fast but in control runs. If he stays healthy it seems like he could be a consistent threat
I paid for the subscription this weekend (pretty cheap month-by-month in NZ) and was very impressed with the coverage. I think the commentary has come a...
I paid for the subscription this weekend (pretty cheap month-by-month in NZ) and was very impressed with the coverage. I think the commentary has come a long way since the Warner Bros beginnings. No cringe moments for me, just a healthy dose of tension and excitement all the way through. I think they have the formula right now. Glad that I signed up, it was worth the money.
Same here. Cost seems good for what you get. I think the commentary could be better but it's certainly acceptable. Rick is getting better and I really like Neko. Warner and Neko would be great, but that's not going to happen so I'll take what I can get.
The racing was really good too, and as much as I hate that there are extremely capable guys missing the finals, 30 riders makes for less of an epic than it used to be, much easier to digest the whole thing without getting bored.
I do think that there should be a better way of seeding the riders from q2 for the final. Maybe guarantee the top 5 from q1 are the last down the hill, then slot q2 riders in according to their time after that (maybe need an adverse conditions clause here incase the weather turns between q1 and q2)
That's the real kicker. The situation was bad enough as is. But being, essentially, right after a junior being DQd for being seconds? late... A minute...
That's the real kicker. The situation was bad enough as is. But being, essentially, right after a junior being DQd for being seconds? late... A minute? How late was he... How can you be so inconsistent?
Also, dunno if people already talked about it but Gracey's run needs to be remembered as one of the greatest come back runs in womens DH history. She was DEAD LAST at split 1. By the finish line, she was over 3 up. She gained OVER SIX SECONDS, in all the hardest parts of the track. Against an in-form Vali Holl (who was P1 at all splits except the last).
Jacko also got back all his time in the second half after an iffy top half. Both kids OBLITERATED that second half...
Gracey was one of the few Elite Women I saw on broadcast being on that edge of control. She was probably really pushing, resulting in some...
Gracey was one of the few Elite Women I saw on broadcast being on that edge of control. She was probably really pushing, resulting in some great times but some razor-thin margins for error. There were 2-3 moments I thought she was going to lose it, and that made for an insanely exciting run.
Jackson really had to play to his strengths in the steeps, as being a lighter rider the flat section was probably harder to carry speed on.
What a great race to (legally, for sure) watch! I am starting to really like this track
what stood out to me for both of their runs was their corner speed was visibly faster than the rest, particularly Gracie, she let of the brakes and railed every corner on the lower sector. Was incredible commitment!
not sure if this was brought up, but in the comments of graceys vid GoPro seems to confirm Jackson thought he wasnt recording... and apparently TURNED HIS GOPRO "ON" (sadly off) mid-run... in finals. dunno. but they say they have the first half of the run so, if true yeah he tapped his gopro mid-run. as somebody who has forgotten to press record and fiddled with trying to find the damn button for a bit... on a winning WC win thats wild. they are working on posting a run... presumably that shows the first half and then maybe uses 3rd party footage for the last half, i guess.
On Keifer, I don’t know a single dude who races that would hit the wand and not keep going in a sheer panic to salvage time. Last...
On Keifer, I don’t know a single dude who races that would hit the wand and not keep going in a sheer panic to salvage time. Last time I raced, got zoned out & left when they said “10 Seconds”. I just went because I knew it would be sorted at the bottom but nothing good could come of stopping
Not to get too far into the weeds on it but he should've been a DNS right? I thought once the countdown begins riders only have...
Not to get too far into the weeds on it but he should've been a DNS right? I thought once the countdown begins riders only have a certain amount of time to exit the start hut, I guess since he tripped the wand maybe it negates that.
I have to agree though, once the wand is tripped its go time.
My take on it is the same as if you had a technical on course and it takes 7 minutes extra to get down the track...
My take on it is the same as if you had a technical on course and it takes 7 minutes extra to get down the track, you still score a time. at least, that would be devil's advocate's arguement.
I read the rules again, Keifer should have been DNF with no points awarded. Unless they decided this was exceptional circumstances, which would be incredibly unfair to anyone who has ever had a mechanical issue with a bike out the gate.
The rule:
4.3.003 bisAny rider whose time being 100% slower of that of the first established time is listed in the results as DNF (did not finish) and is not awarded any points. This rule is applied for qualifying round and finals. Under exceptional circumstances, the maximum allowed time limit for finishing may be altered during the race. This decision is made by the president of the commissaires’ panel after consultation with the technical delegate.
At this point, I'd kinda like to know how many times the UCI rulebook says... "But also we can change our mind."
Because in practice that is all those statements mean when they are that vague and always depend on a personal call by an official. "Here's a rule, but if things get too confusing we'll just ask Bob what he feels like doing." (reminds me of the south park scene where they choose what to do with a failing business, with the headless chicken...) spin the wheeel
Im sure this has been discussed already, but what actually happened to Henri Kiefers bike in the start gate?
Looks like the ungodly torque he applied actually rotated the high-pivot idler so it got into contact with the chainring, the chain then flew off and damaged one of the chainring teeth?
Not to get too far into the weeds on it but he should've been a DNS right? I thought once the countdown begins riders only have a certain amount of time to exit the start hut, I guess since he tripped the wand maybe it negates that.
I have to agree though, once the wand is tripped its go time.
It’s gotta be something!
They messed around with that bike, jamming an UMBRELLA at it (don’t all these super mechanics carry those Knipex pliers they’re always talking about?), for what—3 minutes? Is that not as egregious a delay as AON junior?
That's the real kicker. The situation was bad enough as is. But being, essentially, right after a junior being DQd for being seconds? late... A minute? How late was he... How can you be so inconsistent?
Also, dunno if people already talked about it but Gracey's run needs to be remembered as one of the greatest come back runs in womens DH history. She was DEAD LAST at split 1. By the finish line, she was over 3 up. She gained OVER SIX SECONDS, in all the hardest parts of the track. Against an in-form Vali Holl (who was P1 at all splits except the last).
Jacko also got back all his time in the second half after an iffy top half. Both kids OBLITERATED that second half...
Psshh they can try to take our name but they can't match our banter. Or the fact that we fought in the trenches and lived that B-level racer life.
Gracey was one of the few Elite Women I saw on broadcast being on that edge of control. She was probably really pushing, resulting in some great times but some razor-thin margins for error. There were 2-3 moments I thought she was going to lose it, and that made for an insanely exciting run.
Jackson really had to play to his strengths in the steeps, as being a lighter rider the flat section was probably harder to carry speed on.
What a great race to (legally, for sure) watch! I am starting to really like this track
loudenvielle and tiny canadians... goes together like ketchup n chips...
on this "heard rider crashed, was concussed, told not to drop but still did" .. its a shame this (potential concussion) can be easily brushed off by some individuals these days... I can easily understand the huge amounts of pressure and lack of understanding of the actual consequences of this being a terrible combination.. ALL THE INDUSTRY NEEDS TO DO BETTER IF THIS IS TRUE.. and I am really biased if this was one of my fellow South Americans.. you may really need to be better surrounded, coached and protected.. it's sad.
Oh man, the lack of shit commentary was bliss in those replays.
Was there none in the live broadcast too... I might just pay up and subscribe if thats the case
Re: Gracey Hemstreet
From the article I mentioned:
The Canadian [Gracey] was off the pace in the top sectors of the course, trailing Valentina Höll at the early splits, only to storm through the bottom half of the course to take the win.
“I just tried the death grip and went as fast as I could. I was a bit scared of the loose stuff but was fully pinned everywhere else,” Hemstreet relayed after the race. “I was just cautious in those sketchy areas and then let it go on the rest. The triple at the top, I couldn’t hit it, I rolled it, it was hard.”
she entered that 'zone' every racer wishes they can enter. Myriam put down a heater in Q1, Vali put down a heater in the finals... Gracey went 3 up on those times... From 3 down at the top. I really hope this performance doesn't get brushed over for being womens category and a 'self imposed' handicap from a top split. But she really did pull over 6 seconds on Vali from split 1 on... One of the greatest womens runs of all time
Really hope leogangs broadcast meets the quality of racing I’m sure these ladies are going to bring. They were not shown properly in Loudenvielle. Which is a shame cause the racing is all time right now.
My take on it is the same as if you had a technical on course and it takes 7 minutes extra to get down the track, you still score a time. at least, that would be devil's advocate's arguement.
On Downtime pod, he and Chris K discussed that after seeing Gracie's run, he felt like it was a good bet that Jackson would win. The variable wind took away the advantage all the larger riders were gaining up top, leaving those who were quick on the second half of the track a pathway to victory.
Still have to put it all together, though, and both of the Canadians did that!
As a former race promoter, I’d say this. Making ZERO exceptions is more widely accepted POST race. Hard time cut offs & heavy handed rule enforcement make timing accuracy & “fair” racing possible.
The other 99 racers there on a strict schedule PLANNING for zero mistakes expect that goes for all. The second you’re in the start gate, zero chance to back out. Zero assistance. You’ve got 5 seconds to break the beam or the clock starts itself. In the gate for 6 seconds…no excuses.
Only things to change a schedule are those that change it for EVERYONE.
Timing system dies. Lift malfunction. Medical. Severe weather.
Where the disconnect happened was the officials up top. Hard line crossed by the junior rider missing his time was enforced. Smart decision by staff.
Rider before Kiefer didn’t start so the time gap created a “casual” break. It’s unclear if he was pushed into that earlier slot (thus being rushed into the start hut) OR he had hung around & course was empty for that DNS rider.
Been at tons of races & that ONE change of a “ghost rider” opens Pandora’s Box & racers & officials screw something up.
Answer is to stay on schedule, treat the vacant slot as a “ghost” on course, keep communication(have course Marshall’s relay to spectators ghost on course) & not put Kiefer in the box until his standard time.
There looked to be “too many cooks in the kitchen” when it happened. Needs to be the starter & rider & NOBODY else. Saw 4 people all yapping with different accents.
Crucially...
Bode Burke's race was equally pinned, I was stoked he held it together.
This dude was posted up in the perfect spot for Finals for Burke, Gwin & Hatton's WILD rides:
Burke rode an invisible berm!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKXIC3iMi6I/
https://www.instagram.com/charliecoquillard/reel/DKYsq4NMfWC/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKXKQlcsMjD/
That reminds me...was this the pinnacle of "very awkward & deeply uncomfortable" hugs?
Post-race Frenchie convo with Amaury and Nathan Pontvianne that has english subtitles.
I paid for the subscription this weekend (pretty cheap month-by-month in NZ) and was very impressed with the coverage. I think the commentary has come a long way since the Warner Bros beginnings. No cringe moments for me, just a healthy dose of tension and excitement all the way through. I think they have the formula right now. Glad that I signed up, it was worth the money.
That was interesting. They don’t even want to talk about Jackson. I think they know they are fucked if he lays that down every weekend. It’s cool how loose they are in French, cracking jokes.
How about Ryan Pinkerton into 6th and 11th at Poland. 2nd year Elite, checkers or wreckers last year but seems to have matured a ton this year and throws down fast but in control runs. If he stays healthy it seems like he could be a consistent threat
Same here. Cost seems good for what you get. I think the commentary could be better but it's certainly acceptable. Rick is getting better and I really like Neko. Warner and Neko would be great, but that's not going to happen so I'll take what I can get.
The racing was really good too, and as much as I hate that there are extremely capable guys missing the finals, 30 riders makes for less of an epic than it used to be, much easier to digest the whole thing without getting bored.
I do think that there should be a better way of seeding the riders from q2 for the final. Maybe guarantee the top 5 from q1 are the last down the hill, then slot q2 riders in according to their time after that (maybe need an adverse conditions clause here incase the weather turns between q1 and q2)
what stood out to me for both of their runs was their corner speed was visibly faster than the rest, particularly Gracie, she let of the brakes and railed every corner on the lower sector. Was incredible commitment!
not sure if this was brought up, but in the comments of graceys vid GoPro seems to confirm Jackson thought he wasnt recording... and apparently TURNED HIS GOPRO "ON" (sadly off) mid-run... in finals. dunno. but they say they have the first half of the run so, if true yeah he tapped his gopro mid-run. as somebody who has forgotten to press record and fiddled with trying to find the damn button for a bit... on a winning WC win thats wild. they are working on posting a run... presumably that shows the first half and then maybe uses 3rd party footage for the last half, i guess.
I read the rules again, Keifer should have been DNF with no points awarded. Unless they decided this was exceptional circumstances, which would be incredibly unfair to anyone who has ever had a mechanical issue with a bike out the gate.
The rule:
4.3.003 bis Any rider whose time being 100% slower of that of the first established time is listed in the results as DNF (did not finish) and is not awarded any points. This rule is applied for qualifying round and finals. Under exceptional circumstances, the maximum allowed time limit for finishing may be altered during the race. This decision is made by the president of the commissaires’ panel after consultation with the technical delegate.
At this point, I'd kinda like to know how many times the UCI rulebook says... "But also we can change our mind."
Because in practice that is all those statements mean when they are that vague and always depend on a personal call by an official. "Here's a rule, but if things get too confusing we'll just ask Bob what he feels like doing." (reminds me of the south park scene where they choose what to do with a failing business, with the headless chicken...) spin the wheeel
Im sure this has been discussed already, but what actually happened to Henri Kiefers bike in the start gate?
Looks like the ungodly torque he applied actually rotated the high-pivot idler so it got into contact with the chainring, the chain then flew off and damaged one of the chainring teeth?
Post a reply to: 2025 World Cup Downhill / EDR - Loudenvielle, France