World Champs Experience

Arriving in Leogang, and seeing the World Champs track for the first time has got to be one of my highlights of the year. When I set World Champs as one of my goals at the beginning of the year I didn't think that that it would be upon me so quickly.

The first thing I did upon arrival was rip my bike out of the bike box and build it up as soon as possible. I could not wait to get some European riding under my belt. Our accommodation was really nice. It was a massive house with everything we needed, from Wi-Fi to a high pressure hose. We were "comfortable" to say the least. After a wholesome meal of toasted sandwiches and boiled eggs, courtesy of myself and Adi Van der Merwe, we went to bed - 16 hours of travelling tends to make the body a bit a tired.

The next day we were met with sun and the most beautiful views of the Alps - perfect conditions to hit the bikepark. I was told that I would need to stiffen up my suspension before I got there, but I didn't quite believe them, until I rode there. I could not believe how much of a difference it made. 

The riding in Europe is just unbelievable. It takes you longer to get to the bottom of a run than it does to get to the top in the gondola - and the views from the gondola are mind blowing. I really started getting the hang of the riding and was having the time of my life. There is nothing better than riding in the big mountains with good friends. 

Wednesday was Round 2 in the bike park. There was big group of us all riding together - Johann Potgieter, Stefan Garlicki, Adi Van der Merwe and Tiaan Odendaal. It was awesome to ride with these guys. About halfway down the trail Johann and Stefan stopped after a corner. As I was trying to stop, my front wheel just lost traction. It was not a hard crash at all, more like a little slide along the ground, but as I got up I realised something was wrong. My right shoulder was no longer where it is supposed to be. It was not very painful but I knew it had to be put back in straight away. I asked Johann to put it back in quickly, but he had never done it before so he was slightly skeptical about it. He had no need to be though, because after a loud pop it was back in place. I was so relieved that "Dr" Johann was there to help. With my newly relocated shoulder, I rode to the bottom, taking it easy of course. All of this took place before the actual event even started.

That evening was the Opening Ceremony. It was amazing to walk through the streets of Saalfelden alongside all the other riders from the various countries. World Champs was now officially upon us.