Landed into Europe last week for a test event which is held on the course in Italy where the 2008 World Championships will be. First impressions of the course was it is steep and really technical. A lot of sections had roots and rocks which would get more exposed through out practice. It is the type of course which lines are super important so we ended up walking the course each day after practice. I have to admit doing runs on this course is pretty fun but at the same time scary as hell. Both Sam and I made it through all the practice sessions and felt like we had the lines down for race day. The weather was playing ball all week, sunny clear sky days which was a weird feeling because you kind of expect it to rain at least once at any race in Europe.

Seeding run was the first real idea who was riding fast on the course and both Sam and I had runs we knew we could improve on. Sam seeded in an impressive 1st place on a 3min 29 second and I came in on a 3min 33 second with 6th place. For the final run it was more about keeping my feet on and hitting the fast lines for me. I was 95% happy with my final run, the track being so rough and technical, it was a challenge to not ride over your head.

Sam said he had a good run with a few mistakes and he came in on a 3min 29 second and 7th overall. I took 5 off my time and posted a 3min 28 second which put me in 5th overall. I would say were both happy with the event, with worlds so close away its good to now have an idea of course length and track conditions.

Currently I'm sitting with the rest of the team in Wien Austria and on Thursday morning will be driving one hour to Maribor for the first World Cup. Catch ya soon!

Results:

MEN DOWNHILL FINALS:
1) SAM HILL (MONSTER IRON HORSE) 3:19.42
2) STEVE PEAT (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 3:24.60
3) FABIEN BAREL (SUBARU) 3:26.92
4) FLORENT PAYET (SUBARU) 3:27.77
5) JUSTIN LEOV (YETI) 3:28.67
6) JOSH BRYCELAND (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE) 3:29.37
7) SAM BLENKINSOP (YETI) 3:29.40