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Does this meen we have to catch the smaller slower Chair Lift.
No,Kosci chair will still be running.
Does this meen we have to catch the smaller slower Chair Lift.
My name is Simon French, I am your MTBA DH rep and have been for a coupe of seasons now. While course length and layout is in the hands of the tech delegate I can offer some insight. The target UCI course length is 2-5 minutes and MTBA is now running our national series as UCI categorised events- the main reason for this is so that riders can earn UCI points to get them to world cups. This also encourages international riders to race here in their off season chasing points. Therefore we must fit international standards- and rightly so if we are to act as a breeding ground for future world cup riders. In my opinion the course so far this season (Adelaide and Shep really) have been TOO SHORT, this is the feedback I have got from most riders and thus the feedback I have passed onto MTBA in my reports.
I haven't ridden Thredbo in a few years now so can't really safely comment on the track itself, but I will say that I think we should be aiming to keep tracks within the international standard length- without sacrificing the riding experience of the individual track. 7 minutes is too long for a national series race.
As with this and any other round, and any other issues for that matter, I am always happy to speak on riders behalf to MTBA at committee meetings etc. The best way to get me is via email to simon (at) dirtart.com.au
Cheers guys
Just thought i'd throw my 2 cents at this Thread, People might not agree, but these are my thoughts.
To do with the track length..... I personally dont care if a track is 2 minutes long or 10 minutes long, if it's fun to ride and flows good, then that's all im looking for. I think the track would be better at 5 minutes in length for the fastest times, but cutting out the fire road isn't the way to do this. Ive always enjoyed all parts of the track at Thredbo with two exceptions... (sorry I don't know the names of the sections)
1- near the top, after the first fireroad crossing and dropping into the super tight left hander...all the tight switchbacks after that are just rubbish, and if your looking for a UCI standard course, then cut that section out and build something straight down the slope.
2 - the 2 massive long flat straights under the chair lift after you come out of the main tree section....why not cut that massive flat traverse and keep the flow going?
I know there are lots of limitations with where they can build trails at Thredbo, but those are the 2 areas where I would be looking to change things up. That way It would make the track a wholelot better and get it under 5 minutes.
Pro riders couldn't care less about chasing UCI points in the offseason, the only reason I ever do national rounds is to see some friends that I don't get to see very often, and have some fun. And the top fire road is always tons of fun. The DH track at Thredbo in its current state is pretty played out and stale, and while the 4X track was fun last year at Oceanias, being presented with a 1995/ pull lever/manual gate for the 4X Oceania Champs (a race which is meant to be run under strict UCI guidelines, to which that gate setup was far from adhering to) was a bit of a slap in the face.
So UCI/thredbo, work towards freshening up the DH track for all to enjoy, and stick to your rules, and I'll be back. But for this year, im staying at home.
Out of interest, was the actual trail to be raced publicised anywhere or did people just presume what it would be?
Snip
Out of interest, was the actual trail to be raced publicised anywhere or did people just presume what it would be?
I can confirm that it is the intention of MTBA to start the race at Kareela Hut.
The final decision will not be confirmed until the chief commissaire completes his course walk in the week leading up to the race.
I can confirm that it is the intention of MTBA to start the race at Kareela Hut.
The final decision will not be confirmed until the chief commissaire completes his course walk in the week leading up to the race.
I can confirm that it is the intention of MTBA to start the race at Kareela Hut.
The final decision will not be confirmed until the chief commissaire completes his course walk in the week leading up to the race.
If there's one answer from this thread, it's that the majority of people are against the shortening of the track, and thats who you should be listening to if the series is to grow,
I think 99% of people who have raced at Thredbo agree, that hill has more potential than any other hill in Australia
Agree'd, not sure why something the caliber of a euro WC track hasn't been built there, it beckons for an aussie version of schladming.
Because of the strict regulations and procedures set out by KT and the National Parks. Seeing as Thredbo sits in the Kosciuzko (sp?) National Park, any developments must be put through these two governing bodies. Mountain biking trails can be seen to possess a potential to distrupt, damage and destroy fragile alpine plants, and cutting a new track into the hillside would be devestating in their eyes. Their reluctance and strict procedures (and in my opinion, it is mostly justified) to allow the development of anthing (let alone an enitre new track especially of a euro WC calibre) is what limits Thredbo to only 1 track.
But yes, it most certainly has the potential to be great.
Will Thredbo still make the criteria? Even at less than 5 minutes I suspect that the track is longer than 3500m? I suspect some of the WC tracks are too. Why not just apply for an exemption? Given the previous rounds failed to meet this criteria, are riders still eligible for UCI points?
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