Houffalzie World Cup Day 4 - Judgement Day
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Day 4 – Judgment Day
At last the day we have all been waiting for. Today was the day that all the winter training gets put to the test and the racing starts.
But, before I kick off with todays round up I should cover the excitement from last night. I’m not much of a 4X fan, but you cant help but chuckle at the fools as they throw themselves down a BMX track at night. The organizers had a brand new track built by 4X course designing legend Phil Saxena. I’m not really up on track design UK was represented by Will Longdon, who did us proud by pulling in an 8th. I’m not sure if he was disappointed, as he must have been the hot favorites to win the 1,300 Euro. Maybe next time Will.
After a surprisingly dry and very cold night I was awake bright and early. Notice I only say awake. I left Luke to head off at the crack of dawn to do his stuff as I grabbed an extra few hours sleep. The womens racing was due to kick off at 10.30am, so I found a spot just up from the line in the back of a Nissan truck ready for the start. Walking through the starting pens I had seen our own UK rider Jenny Copnall (
Gary Fisher/Subaru
) along with honorary Brit Kate Potter (
Cotic/Bontrager
).
The womens race was fast to say the least. I picked a spot on one of the downhills to catch some of the actions. I’m pleased to say that Kate and Jenny both rode it, unlike some of the competition who thought that walking would be best. One comment through Jenny, you need to found out what “move’ is in French!
Heading back into town I found Luke lurking in the woods flashing his camera off at the women. If anyone knows Luke, its what he does best. Lunch was once again taken in the VIP area. The spread was even better than yesterday, and the desert was to die for. Hmmmmmmm
By now the time was getting close to 2pm and the start of the mens race. I found Kate P sitting on bench half way up the first hill waiting for the action. She tried to persuade me that racing here really was fun, but I’m not sure she convinced me. Anyway well done Kate on your 55th. I’m not sure but I think that gets you gridded much higher for Rd2.
After the start I joined the crowds on the first downhill. The crowds had come out in their thousands and they were everywhere. Men, Women, Mums, Dad, Cats and Dogs they had all come to watch the racing. The first decent was carnage, the leaders got through OK, but the rest were held up in a massive jam, that must of wasted a whole heap of time.
Of course by this point Absalon was leading and never really looked back, Oli put in a Stella performance. Come from a low grid position he pushed himself up to 18th in the end. Liam also pushed up. Starting near the back he came in at 69th.
Of the day there have to be a number of sights that have to be seen to be believed.
Julien Absalons Fan Club – There are hundreds of them. All have blue Orbea caps and t-shirts and were singing the French national anthem when he was up on the Podium. Julien himself loved it. He came into the podium area like a fighter about to step into the ring. Arms in the air, the fans went wild. Hugs and kisses were handed out. One fan passed his baby over for a kiss, maybe in the hope that some of Absalon’s talent will rub off. All very moving
Filip Meirhaeghe – Everyone has their views on this guy, but over here he is loved. The guys finished well down the field, but he got a cheer bigger than the winner. At one point he showboated by pulling a wheelie up the 4X climb while the crowd went wild.
Well that’s pretty much it. I’m shattered and I see the name calling for my lack of racing has started, so I’m signing off for the time being.
As Del-boy would say “Bonjour”
Missed Day 3 – Catch it HERE
