Vallnord, Andorra, Round 3, 2013

Although Vallnord is a totally new track for this year, we have been here before, the last time was 2009, Steve Peat's final World Cup Victory, pushing him ahead of Nico Vouilloz in the all time rankings. He pushed out Gee Atherton by just 0.02 seconds with Minaar in third.

The Right Honourable Sir Steve of Peat!

Also of significance was Sam Hill's huck to flat/ mega bail. Not because it had any real impact on his season (he went on to take 2 second places and 2 wins) but  just because it shows how much of a wildman the Western Australian is!

Huck to Face

So this race stacks up kind of similarly to last time in an odd way. Another British rider is on the verge of breaking many, many records whilst Sam Hill is being held back from some serious good results through a combination of mechanicals and yet more pedal to the metal crashing. One thing that is strikingly different, is the track itself.

The Track

As I already said, the track is totally new for this year. The UCI have already held a test event there and it promises a startlingly different prospect to the 2 minute speed and jump fest of 2009.

The test event, won by Greg Minaar, showed us a steep, technical, off camber, multi-lined, rocky track stretching to nearly 5 minutes.

Greg sliding into the finish.

However, those who have already made the trip to Andorra may be feeling their advantage slipping away as they return this weekend. See that trail of fairy dust behind Greg's wheel? well this is Vallnord village on Sunday: 

Wetter than a cockle in Morecambe Bay!

The Contenders

Gee Atherton -  Unstoppable form from the Welsh steam train who has been recently rechristened 'Geesus'. It will be interesting to see whether the gap has been closed in the six week break the top riders have had. Gee sailed on untroubled at Llangollen and Crankworx Europe, but the big boys may just have been keeping their cards close to their chests.

Geesus, turning dust into win(e)

Greg Minaar

He's already won the test event, he knows the track and is mercilessly consistent. Can he equal the World Cup wins record where Peaty secured it just 4 years previously?

Danny Hart

 Steep?! Wet?! Bridges?! count in the Redcar Rocket!

Sam Hill

I so so so want Sam Hill to do well here, Vallnord looks right up his street. 2nd at Fort William until his chain let him down on the all important motorway, followed by an agonisingly long crash at Val di Sole means he's seemed like a non - competitor this year. I promise you a bit of luck is all he needs to get back on the top step of the podium.


Other Contenders

Brendog - described how he 'had a chubby' on the course walk, an image I'm sure we all don't fancy imagining. He came second at the BDS in Llangollen, this track suits him to a tee.

Bryceland - Was on a stormer in the test event... until he totalled himself. Not yet at his best this year but could be a wildcard on any given day.

Aaron Gwin - Riding a new customised Demo, could it be enough to turn his season around?

Podium Prediction

1st - Geesus
2nd - Hill
3rd- Hart
4th - Minaar
5th - Brendog

And just to finish off, here's Peaty again, because legends deserve 2 .gifs