Pre-Olympic rippage

I’m showing this singletrack.competitor.com photo from last week’s test race on the Olympic XC course because it is so rad.

Let’s discuss:

singletrack.competitor.com caption info:

Olympic air

Catherine Pendrel (CAN) and Georgia Gould (USA) take different lines through the rocks above the start/finish. Photo: Robin Wilmott

Photo from singletrack.competitor.com by Robin Wilmott.

How rad is this? Let us count the ways

1) Significant rock section on the Olympic XC course. Multiple options and potentially heroic — dare I say Olympian? — passing opportunities.

2) Note the difference between full-on braaap vision and sorta tentative vision.

3) Gould is a bit too far forward. The strain on her arms shows her lack of balance, and you know that’s contributing to an overall sense of “uh oh,” which does not help her look to victory. I’m no Olympic contender, but I would coach her to rock back onto her pedals. Light hands, heavy feet!

4) Pendrel’s position is dialed! Low, balanced on her feet, extending into the downslope. Perfect.

5) This DH line is being rallied on a 20-lb XC race bike with a long cockpit and high seat — probably above red line. Skill is skill.

What do you’all think?

Lee

Know more. Have more fun!

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