Offenberg Workd Cup: May 22-23

[Jukebox]

There doesnt seem to be much World Cup mtb talk around here, but I decided to get an Offenberg thread going anyway.

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The course seems reasonably hilly.
Who will win?
Can Willow keep her women's leader's jersey?

 

[flyor64]

She's impressed the hell outta me this year! It'd be cool if she held on to the the jersey for sure.

That course profile does look brutal so I'd expect one of the climbers to blow the pack apart on the first lap and then just string it out for the rest of the race...

If she holds on during that first lap then she's in with a chance I think. She has shown great consistency so far, although it's a bit hard to talk consistency just two races in.

There's actually a bit of a North American resurgence going this year in the Women's World Cup...very cool to see. Gould, Batty, Mary Mc, all seem to be riding strong this year.

Now, what about the men's side? Kabush is supposed to just rock it this year...at least that's what I read somewhere at the beginning of the year. Todd Wells has a couple of nice races so far this year. And I have to admit it's been a bit nice to see some other dudes winning this year...no offense to Absalon but he dominated for so long it really had just become a race for the second step. Does not appear that way this year. Although he did flat at Houffalize...

 

[Kiwivelo]

Offenburg

Katie Compton will be starting in Offenburg as she begins her start to the MTB season. Unfortunately Katie and Sabine Spitz who is also making a late start to the season will be starting on the last row.

 

[mtb4life]

Katie will not be starting last row as she has 286 UCI points nor will Sabine. Yes there is World Cup ranking which will hurt her start a bit but nothing she can't handle, if her legs pull through.

Katie Compton will be starting in Offenburg as she begins her start to the MTB season. Unfortunately Katie and Sabine Spitz who is also making a late start to the season will be starting on the last row.

 

[--oisin--]

I reckon Absalon for the win, his recent Heubach Bundesligia performance was good beating a few other WC racers. Anyone but a Specialized team rider, I'll never forgive them for using 29ers at the start of the season.

 

[flyor64]

I reckon Absalon for the win, his recent Heubach Bundesligia performance was good beating a few other WC racers. Anyone but a Specialized team rider, I'll never forgive them for using 29ers at the start of the season.

Why is that?

 

[--oisin--]

From Nino Schurter...
"I know 29ers are popular in the US, but I don’t think it's a big thing," he said. "I tried it once. It might be an advantage on a soft course without too many corners, but the rotating weight is more for the wheels, so when you are pedaling up to speed out of a corner, you notice it. For most technical cross country courses we have now, we don't need one."

Ha ok I'm not serious about 'never forgiving' the riders, Sauser is one of my favourite WC riders but I wouldn't be upset if the UCI banned 29ers from XC races. Keep everyone on the same (kinda) type of bike, keep the courses technical. I wouldn't like to see every race course looking like Sea Otter boring.
Maybe I just don't get them?

 

[BrandonT]

I reckon Absalon for the win, his recent Heubach Bundesligia performance was good beating a few other WC racers. Anyone but a Specialized team rider, I'll never forgive them for using 29ers at the start of the season.

29'ers are coming on strong. Although I dont think they will be ideal for such a hilly course.

 

[kolarz1]

hi. I'm from Polish and I have to you request. Can you tell me where I can find photos from the junior race from Offenburg?

 

[Echoes]

Gonna follow Nys' race carefully. 1st MTB World Cup, this year. Win in Gooik.

Unfortunately not Stybar, knee surgery (cyst). Won't start the Tour of Belgium either.

 

[Echoes]

Trying to watch the race on Freecaster.tv but the streaming is completely down.

It says "couldn't parse xml"

Need help !

 

[9000ft]

29'ers are coming on strong. Although I dont think they will be ideal for such a hilly course.

Niners been "coming on strong" for what, three or four years now? While they have their advantages in some circumstances I don't think on most courses they are the best tool.

 

[flyor64]

FWIW I think it boils down to personal preference. I have both, like both, am in a current "love affair" with my singlespeed 29er, which is unhealthy to say the least. But, ultimately at my level, I see no real benefits...now, let me get my hands on a GF Super Fly 100, and...well it'd probably be the same result but it would be REALLY fun!

Back to the OPs original topic, the North American women did fantastic this weekend, and Kabush seemed pleased with his result. Absalon dominated...the guy's a machine