Andorra World Cup: Disappointment for Kyle

Kyle in practice 

With Crosscountry over and done with on Saturday it was up to the gravity athletes to entertain us on Sunday. The rain held off and we were presented with a predominantly dry day with the occasional drop of rain.

Practice seemed to go well for Kyle along with his two fellow American’s from the Specialized Decline Team America Cody Warren and Cole Bangert. As you may know qualification to the downhill finals on Sunday afternoon would require a top 80 placing in the semi-final. Kyle got through, but only just placing 77th, while Cody and Cole placed 43rd and 49th respectfully. Kyle was certainly disappointed, but relieved to have qualified.

In the afternoon the track had dried even more, but given the slower course, mistakes were easily made, with top riders finishing in about 2 minutes 30 seconds, mistakes would account for costly positions in the overall. The three lads were disappointed with Kyle crashing, but managing to get back on board to finish. So no joy, but the lads are looking ahead to Fortwilliam next weekend and the hope of better results.

Unfortunately, Kyle had a crash in his final round

Tomorrow Monday, we (Susi, Kyle, Claire, Kyle, Cody, Cole and I) fly from Barcelona to Glasgow where we will settle in the build-up for the Fortwilliam World Cup next weekend. We will be joined on Tuesday by Liam and Lene, while the mechanics leave Andorra tomorrow morning and face that long drive and ferry crossing before arriving on Wednesday afternoon. I left my car in Glasgow airport before flying to Andorra, so lets hope the same great weather than I faced there, greets is upon our arrival – as you know one can expect anything in Scotland!

Men’s Downhill Results:

1. Gee Atherton   ANC     2’35’’35
2. Samuel Hill   MER     2’35’’66
3. Greg Minnaar   SCB     2’36’’73
4. Steve Peat   SCB     2’37’’49
5. Samuel Blenkinsop  YET     2’38’’71’’

40. Cody Warren   Specialized Decline Team America  2’48’’61
67. Cole Bangert   Specialized Decline Team America  2’56’’01
68. Kyle Strait   Specialized Factory Racing  2’56’’25

Men’s Downhill World Cup Standings:

1. Samuel Hill   MER     430 Points
2. Gee Atherton   ANC     357 Points
3. Steve Peat   SCB     330 Points
4. Greg Minnaar   SCB     292 Points
5. Fabien Barel   SUB     267 Points

39. Kyle Strait   Specialized Factory Racing  42 Points
63. Cody Warren   Specialized Decline Team America  21 Points
71. Cole Bangert   Specialized Decline Team America  16 Points