September 5, 2009 (Canberra, Australia) – The downhill course here at Stromlo Forest Park for the 2009 DH World Championships is short, not very technical but highly demanding fitness wise. Riders will have to sprint down just over 1.6km and 175m of elevation. Short and to the point, the course will have more than one rider lightheaded and staggering by the time they reach the finish line. It’s littered with large rock jumps and man-made dirt doubles, and will reward smooth, consistent riders.

Aussie favorites Mick Hannah (GT) and Sam Hill (Monster Energy – Specialized) could both do very well here, as early morning timed practice can attest to. Hannah was first with Hill in second, 1.74 back, Greg Minnaar (RSA) was third. There is no qualifying or seeding here, riders will leave the gate based on their UCI ranking as of August 24th. This was decided in order to eliminate any possible rain strategy and make it easier for TV. The big dogs will all start under the same conditions on Sunday, Sept. 6 the final day of the MTB Worlds.

Steve Smith (MS Evil) and Jamie Biluk (Transcend Orange) are holding down the fort for Canada, with Smith in 9th and Biluk in 34rd. Dean Tennant (Primary) was 34th. Claire Buchar (CRC Intense) had a fantastic run, and is sitting in 2nd place behind Tracy Mosely (Trek) of the UK, only .03 seconds back. Fionn Griffiths (UK – Norco) was 3rd.