Difficult first training and a real snake bite in Val di Sole

Today's first training at the world cup in Val di Sole started in deep dust. The natural track with plenty of roots and rocks was good for lots happy faces.
At lunchtime, heavy rain came in and changed things. Once again, like at every other world cup this year except for Scotland, our mechanics put the Schwalbe Dirty Dan mud tires on our bikes.

The big wet roots on the course were challenging the riders skills, but since these conditions almost became standard this year, they could handle them well, especially after a weekend on the steepest track of the world in Champery. What might be even scarier than the gnarly track is the fact that a camera man got bit by a snake just next to it and had to be treated in hospital.

Nick Beers and Fabien Pedemanauds helmet cam run will be up on www.freecaster.tv friday morning.

Photos by Sven Martin