All

Is it just me or do these wheels look - uhm, biggish? Might be 650B DH rig, which is going to be the big thing for PMB's pedally world champs course.

Lets get the bad out of the way, not the best in wet weather would benefit from better bearings(Enduro), the Roco air will not fit in the frame, and it bobs a bit during pedaling, but don't let that fool you it is still the BEST bike I've ever ridden, it will out corner any bike on the market, and is insanely smooth over bumps, not to mention its practically bombproof. Really wish it came in an extra large though, I'm 6'2 and even though I'm not really cramped i just don't have the confidence to plow a section like...

The UcI should have the good marketing sense to hold a race round in the country that produces the top equipment and the top rider Windham is not a true wc venue by any means barely a mtn actually. But there are several other dh venues that would work better surely.

Seems they did. Here it is from the Italian branch - http://www.khsitaly.it/media/news/

I've been building and racing 650b xc bikes for 5 years now. 29'rs suck, as we all know, but 650b stuff get's a little bit better roll over and little bit better cornering over a 26" wheel that definitely helps you have more fun. As soon as I can buy a DH casing 650b tire I'll have one wedged into my Dorado in a heartbeat. Y'alls gonna be OK with 650b stuff. It's fun and fast and doesn't require a freak bike. Nothing to dislike really...