George and Neko Both Finish Top 15 at World Cup Finals

Perfect sunny conditions prevailed for the final World Cup race of the 2013 season here in Leogang, Austria, where Trek World Racing’s remaining uninjured downhill riders Neko Mulally (USA) and George Brannigan (NZL) had solid qualifiers Saturday. Neko had a career best qualifier coming in 7th place, and George had top 10 splits on his way down the hill, but 400m from the line had a crash which cost him time. However both riders went into the finals today knowing they had top 10 pace.

George went off about 1 hour before Neko and had a great run going. His run put him into the hot-seat as fastest rider at that point but only after unclipping his foot on the approach to the same corner where he fell in qualifying, crushing the family jewels.

“Yeah that was a pretty uncomfortable way to finish the run, but overall it was going well until then. I’m sure I lost a few seconds and even though I’ve ended up 13th for the day, I was having a solid top 10 run until that mistake. Considering I also hurt my shoulder in the crash yesterday and it wasn’t that good today, I do know the speed’s there and I feel 100% back to my best now”, said George shortly after leaving the hot-seat, where he sat for close to an hour.

Neko was on a great run as well and would have slotted into 3rd at the end of his run, and a guaranteed top 10, but lost 3 seconds in the final sector after making an error while pushing hard.

Neko said: “I knew I was having a great run, perhaps my best ever in World Cup racing and as I got towards the lower section of the course I made the conscious decision to keep pushing. Sometimes it’s easier to back off when you’ve had a great run for most of the course, but really great runs only come when you push the whole way. It can be riskier and unfortunately for me I did make that one mistake, but I’m glad I pushed for the result rather than be conservative. Finishing top 15 overall for the season was my goal, and today I achieved that”.

Team Owner Martin Whiteley summed up the Downhill season. “Injury definitely played a big part in our 2013 season. Aside from George’s knee recovery which we were aware of coming into the season, Brook’s shoulder injury before Andorra had a big impact for us. Then with Greg fracturing his collarbone and separating his shoulder in South Africa, it made for a tough time. Having said that, we have an awesome group of riders and there is strong team unity, and for me that’s very positive. Neko and George have done a great job these last 2 World Cup races and I know we’ll be back very strong in 2014.”

Next month Neko and Greg are planning to race in Mexico at the Taxco Downhill, and some other events may be announced in the coming days.

HC Racer

HC Racer are proud to announce the sponsorship of Elite rider and World Cup DH regular Jono Jones. Having represented GB in last years Junior World Championships, 19 year old Jono has moved up to Elite for 2013 and will be their dedicated cameraman on the UCI World Cup circuit and British Downhill Series.

This signing means that HC Racer will be creating it’s own dedicated content from all of the World Cups and British Downhill Series races that Jono attends. As well as capturing footage himself, such as this run from Fort William, Jono will also be arranging for guest riders to mount up and capture the action, the first guest rider being Brendan Fairclough at Vallnord, Andora.

This will give viewers the unique perspective of seeing the season through the eyes of the riders, watch the highs and lows of his season and follow his journey as he’s hungry for success, on HCRacer.com.

Season Goals

"Top 30 World Cup and top 10 National results in the first half of the season! After the worst beginning to a season I’ve ever had, with countless mechanicals and crashes in my race runs, I’ve pushed those forward to the second half of the season and hope, by keeping it rubber side down, I’ll manage to achieve this" Jono Jones."

What Is HC Racer?

HC Racer is the home of downhill helmet cam footage. They are tirelessly working away to gather you the best action from around the globe for your enjoyment and now with their first sponsored rider onboard, they are creating it as well!
 
In the beginning they will be creating and collating the best footage, but the site is set to grow! Currently, site creator Jamie Dyer is locked in a dark room coding in order to bring with you a truly unique site, that is set to be a true cycling multimedia community. Soon you will be able to get involved, find the best trails, improve your lines and learn from the best.

CHECK OUT HC RACER HERE

Two Top 15 Results at World Champs As Brook McDonald Retires from Season 2013

21 year old George Brannigan had his best ever result at a World Championship today here in Pietermaritzburg when he took 13th place, just one spot ahead of team mate Neko Mulally. The two riders looked solid all week and were happy with their performances on the demanding South African track. Meanwhile Brook MacDonald, who had earlier this week decided to end his season after this event so he can return home for important shoulder surgery, was unlucky to clip a tree and lose time, settling for 24th place.

For MacDonald the decision to return home has not been easy, but after getting further advice on the rotator cuff tear in his left shoulder, it's clear that he needs immediate surgery ahead of a recovery period of a few months. With an earlier start to the next World Cup season in 2014, the team supports Brook's decision to head home.

George, who himself has been on the road to recovery since he had knee surgery after season 2012, has been steadily rising back to his top form in recent races.

George said: "Both here and at Crankworx I've started to feel like my old self again. I thought it would only take a couple of races to get up to speed, but it has taken a fair bit longer. This is my best result ever on this track and I'm now really looking forward to one of my favourites, Hafjell in Norway in a couple of weeks".

Neko said: "When I arrived at the finish line today I was a little disappointed with myself because I still had some gas left in the tank. I needed to attack a little more and I guess that was the difference between 14th and a top 10. I'm still happy though and have learned from today's experience".

Both George and Neko will head to Norway in 2 weeks for Round 5 of the World Cup.

2013 UCI World Championships Pietermaritzburg Full Results

2013 MTB World Champs Pietermaritzburg Timed Training Results Junior Women

1	SEAGRAVE Tahnee	GBR19950615	GREAT BRITAIN	4:51.377
2	BEECROFT Danielle	AUS19950327	AUSTRALIA	+11.372
3	OURDOUILLIE Fiona	FRA19950726	FRANCE	+26.558
4	MOLLOY Tegan	AUS19960118	AUSTRALIA	+30.094
5	NAKAGAWA Ayako	JPN19951003	JAPAN	+1:20.175

2013 MTB World Champs Pietermaritzburg Timed Training Results Junior Men

1	VERGIER Loris	FRA19960507	FRANCE	4:13.873
2	RUDE JR Richard	USA19950101	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	+00.754
3	JONES Michael	GBR19950222	GREAT BRITAIN	+04.145
4	LUCAS Dean	AUS19950502	AUSTRALIA	+05.681
5	ATWILL Phil	GBR19950111	GREAT BRITAIN	+07.350
6	VEZINA Mckay	CAN19951022	CANADA	+07.995
7	CRIMMINS Thomas	AUS19950624	AUSTRALIA	+08.707
8	GRAHAM Innes	GBR19960703	GREAT BRITAIN	+08.802
9	VERNASSA Gianluca	ITA19950904	ITALY	+08.829
10	NIEDERBERGER Noel	SUI19950821	SWITZERLAND	+09.958
11	ALGARRA NAVARRO Daniel	ESP19950314	SPAIN	+10.306
12	WALLACE Mark	CAN19950601	CANADA	+10.752
13	PICCHIOTTINO Cole	USA19951002	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	+11.091
14	FAYOLLE Alexandre	FRA19950720	FRANCE	+11.532
15	SHAW Luca	USA19961225	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	+12.992
16	BROWN Gregg	RSA19961227	SOUTH AFRICA	+13.646
17	COMETTI Luca	USA19951208	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	+13.938
18	FESPERMAN Jay	USA19960709	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	+14.022
19	GANNICOTT George	GBR19950311	GREAT BRITAIN	+14.355
20	ALVES DE BORBA Lucas Eduardo	BRA19950224	BRAZIL	+14.705

2013 MTB World Champs Pietermaritzburg Timed Training Results Women

1	ATHERTON Rachel	GBR19871206	GREAT BRITAIN	4:35.013
2	HANNAH Tracey	AUS19880613	AUSTRALIA	+16.802
3	CHARRE Morgane	FRA19900609	FRANCE	+18.536
4	BUCHANAN Caroline	AUS19901024	AUSTRALIA	+21.398
5	CARPENTER Manon	GBR19930311	GREAT BRITAIN	+21.892
6	PUGIN Floriane	FRA19890417	FRANCE	+23.402
7	BROWN Casey	CAN19901027	CANADA	+23.783
8	GATTO Micayla	CAN19880821	CANADA	+27.408
9	CERNILOGAR Zarja	SLO19891218	SLOVENIA	+33.026
10	NICOLE Myriam	FRA19900208	FRANCE	+34.010
11	ROSSER Lauren	CAN19931004	CANADA	+37.510
12	BARTOVA Jana	CZE19900217	CZECH REPUBLIC	+47.431
13	MARCELLINI Alia	ITA19910711	ITALY	+54.589
14	KINTNER Jill	USA19811024	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	+7:18.160

2013 MTB World Champs Pietermaritzburg Timed Training Results Men

1	SMITH Steve	CAN19891125	CANADA	4:03.021
2	ROPELATO Mitch	USA19920303	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	+02.208
3	ATHERTON Gee	GBR19850226	GREAT BRITAIN	+02.513
4	HANNAH Michael	AUS19831121	AUSTRALIA	+02.759
5	MINNAAR Greg	RSA19811113	SOUTH AFRICA	+03.968
6	BLENKINSOP Samuel	NZL19881028	NEW-ZEALAND	+04.181
7	GRAVES Jared	AUS19821216	AUSTRALIA	+05.072
8	BEER Nick	SUI19870917	SWITZERLAND	+06.240
9	GUTIERREZ VILLEGAS Marcelo	COL19900509	COLOMBIA	+07.134
10	PEKOLL Markus	AUT19871013	AUSTRIA	+08.355
11	HART Danny	GBR19910920	GREAT BRITAIN	+08.852
12	BRANNIGAN George	NZL19920409	NEW-ZEALAND	+09.444
13	MASTERS Wyn	NZL19870418	NEW-ZEALAND	+10.441
14	FISCHBACH Johannes	GER19880304	GERMANY	+11.289
15	PEAT Steve	GBR19740617	GREAT BRITAIN	+12.081
16	BROSNAN Troy	AUS19930713	AUSTRALIA	+12.442
17	MULALLY Neko	USA19930219	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	+12.815
18	THOME Patrick	FRA19911020	FRANCE	+13.247
19	SIMMONDS Matthew	GBR19870520	GREAT BRITAIN	+13.250
20	BRUNI Loic	FRA19940513	FRANCE	+13.502

2013 MTB World Champs Pietermaritzburg Final Results Junior Women

1	SEAGRAVE Tahnee	GBR19950615	GREAT BRITAIN	4:52.001
2	BEECROFT Danielle	AUS19950327	AUSTRALIA	+07.512
3	MOLLOY Tegan	AUS19960118	AUSTRALIA	+19.448
4	OURDOUILLIE Fiona	FRA19950726	FRANCE	+21.731
5	NAKAGAWA Ayako	JPN19951003	JAPAN	+1:13.791

2013 MTB World Champs Pietermaritzburg Final Results Junior Men

1	RUDE JR Richard	USA19950101	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	4:06.640
2	VERGIER Loris	FRA19960507	FRANCE	+05.727
3	JONES Michael	GBR19950222	GREAT BRITAIN	+07.403
4	NIEDERBERGER Noel	SUI19950821	SWITZERLAND	+07.784
5	LUCAS Dean	AUS19950502	AUSTRALIA	+08.908
6	SHAW Luca	USA19961225	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	+12.985
7	VEZINA Mckay	CAN19951022	CANADA	+13.944
8	CRIMMINS Thomas	AUS19950624	AUSTRALIA	+14.101
9	WALLACE Mark	CAN19950601	CANADA	+14.938
10	VERNASSA Gianluca	ITA19950904	ITALY	+15.674
11	ATWILL Phil	GBR19950111	GREAT BRITAIN	+15.753
12	FESPERMAN Jay	USA19960709	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	+16.822
13	GRAHAM Innes	GBR19960703	GREAT BRITAIN	+17.774
14	GANNICOTT George	GBR19950311	GREAT BRITAIN	+18.192
15	COLOMBO Francesco	ITA19951209	ITALY	+18.267
16	VARLEY Aiden	AUS19960816	AUSTRALIA	+18.488
17	KNOTT Peter	AUS19950616	AUSTRALIA	+18.869
18	FAYOLLE Alexandre	FRA19950720	FRANCE	+19.127
19	DU PLESSIS J P	RSA19950703	SOUTH AFRICA	+19.482
20	COMETTI Luca	USA19951208	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	+19.547

2013 MTB World Champs Pietermaritzburg Final Results Women

1	ATHERTON Rachel	GBR19871206	GREAT BRITAIN	4:28.043
2	RAGOT Emmeline	FRA19860527	FRANCE	+08.632
3	HANNAH Tracey	AUS19880613	AUSTRALIA	+12.395
4	KINTNER Jill	USA19811024	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	+13.425
5	BUCHANAN Caroline	AUS19901024	AUSTRALIA	+13.612
6	CHARRE Morgane	FRA19900609	FRANCE	+15.637
7	SIEGENTHALER Emilie	SUI19860919	SWITZERLAND	+18.269
8	BROWN Casey	CAN19901027	CANADA	+18.525
9	PUGIN Floriane	FRA19890417	FRANCE	+20.769
10	GATTO Micayla	CAN19880821	CANADA	+20.906
11	NICOLE Myriam	FRA19900208	FRANCE	+27.532
12	GRIFFITHS Fionn	GBR19820827	GREAT BRITAIN	+30.378
13	ROSSER Lauren	CAN19931004	CANADA	+38.035
14	BARTOVA Jana	CZE19900217	CZECH REPUBLIC	+38.998
15	MARCELLINI Alia	ITA19910711	ITALY	+42.913

2013 MTB World Champs Pietermaritzburg Final Results Men

1	MINNAAR Greg	RSA19811113	SOUTH AFRICA	3:58.058
2	HANNAH Michael	AUS19831121	AUSTRALIA	+00.396
3	GRAVES Jared	AUS19821216	AUSTRALIA	+03.333
4	BLENKINSOP Samuel	NZL19881028	NEW-ZEALAND	+03.746
5	SIMMONDS Matthew	GBR19870520	GREAT BRITAIN	+03.939
6	BEER Nick	SUI19870917	SWITZERLAND	+04.041
7	ATHERTON Gee	GBR19850226	GREAT BRITAIN	+04.303
8	GUTIERREZ VILLEGAS Marcelo	COL19900509	COLOMBIA	+04.423
9	FISCHBACH Johannes	GER19880304	GERMANY	+04.759
10	BROSNAN Troy	AUS19930713	AUSTRALIA	+06.582
11	BRUNI Loic	FRA19940513	FRANCE	+06.922
12	PEKOLL Markus	AUT19871013	AUSTRIA	+07.019
13	BRANNIGAN George	NZL19920409	NEW-ZEALAND	+07.927
14	MULALLY Neko	USA19930219	UNITED STATES OF AMERICA	+08.878
15	PEAT Steve	GBR19740617	GREAT BRITAIN	+09.204
16	NEETHLING Andrew	RSA19840805	SOUTH AFRICA	+09.709
17	MASTERS Wyn	NZL19870418	NEW-ZEALAND	+11.317
18	PAYET Florent	FRA19861121	FRANCE	+12.766
19	BRYCELAND Josh	GBR19900323	GREAT BRITAIN	+13.042
20	THOME Patrick	FRA19911020	FRANCE	+13.181

2013 Andorra UCI World Cup Round 3 Final Results

2013 Vallnord UCI WC 3 Men's Final Results

1	THIRION Rémi	FRA19900423	COMMENCAL / RIDING ADDICTION	4:13.666
2	ATHERTON Gee	GBR19850226	GT FACTORY RACING	+1.350
3	HILL Samuel	AUS19850721	CHAIN REACTION CYCLES.COM / NUKEPROOF	+1.756
4	SMITH Steve	CAN19891125	DEVINCI GLOBAL RACING	+2.273
5	BROSNAN Troy	AUS19930713	SPECIALIZED RACING DH	+2.476
6	MINNAAR Greg	RSA19811113	SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE	+2.549
7	HART Danny	GBR19910920	GIANT FACTORY OFF-ROAD TEAM	+2.975
8	BRUNI Loic	FRA19940513	LAPIERRE GRAVITY REPUBLIC	+3.548
9	GUTIERREZ VILLEGAS Marcelo	COL19900509	GIANT FACTORY OFF-ROAD TEAM	+3.979
10	GWIN Aaron	USA19871224	SPECIALIZED RACING DH	+4.376
11	PEAT Steve	GBR19740617	SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE	+5.171
12	BLENKINSOP Samuel	NZL19881028	LAPIERRE GRAVITY REPUBLIC	+5.214
13	FAIRCLOUGH Brendan	GBR19880110	GSTAAD-SCOTT	+5.844
14	FIGARET Faustin	FRA19931107	TOPCYCLE BY TREK	+6.543
15	BEAUMONT Marc	GBR19840925	GT FACTORY RACING	+6.836

2013 Vallnord UCI WC 3 Women's Final Results

1	ATHERTON Rachel	GBR19871206	GT FACTORY RACING	4:47.778
2	CARPENTER Manon	GBR19930311	MADISON SARACEN DOWNHILL TEAM	+1.617
3	NICOLE Myriam	FRA19900208	COMMENCAL / RIDING ADDICTION	+11.450
4	RAGOT Emmeline	FRA19860527	LAPIERRE GRAVITY REPUBLIC	+12.673
5	PUGIN Floriane	FRA19890417	GSTAAD-SCOTT	+18.052
6	CHARRE Morgane	FRA19900609	MS MONDRAKER TEAM	+26.262
7	SEAGRAVE Tahnee°	GBR19950615	FMD RACING / INTENSE CYCLES	+26.659
8	KINTNER Jill	USA19811024	TEAM NORCO INTERNATIONAL	+29.914
9	GRIFFITHS Fionn	GBR19820827		+43.519
10	SIEGENTHALER Emilie	SUI19860919	GSTAAD-SCOTT	+47.261
11	BERNHARD Petra	AUT19801118	RRP GHOST	+50.184
12	STONE Jessica	GBR19900914	UNIOR TOOLS TEAM	+53.740
13	COLUMB Alanna	NZL19880723		+54.811
14	AGER-WICK Anita	NOR19780831		+54.970
15	PUGIN Mélanie	FRA19900503	TEAM MORZINE-AVORIAZ/HAUTE-SAVOIE	+58.780

2013 Vallnord UCI WC 3 Junior's Final Results

1	JONES Michael	GBR19950222	FMD RACING / INTENSE CYCLES	4:23.644
2	VERGIER Loris	FRA19960507	LAPIERRE GRAVITY REPUBLIC	+0.468
3	ALGARRA NAVARRO Daniel	ESP19950314	SPAIN	+6.122
4	FAYOLLE Alexandre	FRA19950720	FRANCE	+8.124
5	SHAW Luca	USA19961225	SPECIALIZED RACING DH	+8.354
6	VERNASSA Gianluca	ITA19950904	DEVINCI GLOBAL RACING	+8.461
7	ELLISON Luke	AUS19951030	AUSTRALIA	+9.191
8	ZABJEK Jure	SLO19951011	UNIOR TOOLS TEAM	+9.369
9	LUCAS Dean	AUS19950502	AUSTRALIA	+10.122
10	NIEDERBERGER Noel	SUI19950821	GSTAAD-SCOTT	+13.117
11	JOUET PASTRE Martin	FRA19950521	FRANCE	+14.157
12	HERD Sam	GBR19960118	GREAT BRITAIN	+16.191
13	KAMMLEIN - CUTLER Raphael	NZL19950328	NEW-ZEALAND	+17.277
14	ESTAQUE Thomas	FRA19961115	FRANCE	+18.305
15	COLOMBO Francesco	ITA19951209	TEAM AIROH AXO SANTACRUZ	+18.376