The Shimano camp
Photo: © Chris Davidson

The Chris Davidson diary

Chris Davidson is a former mechanic for Bontrager Racing Service, now in the service of Shimano Multi-Service.

Chris' diary entries will show you what life is like inside the pits and an insight into the mind of a mechanic.

Index to all entries

NORBA NCS Series #1, Waco, TX, USA, March 11-14, 2004

Day 1 - Thursday, March 11: New course, old faces

Hi, Chris Davidson checking in from the Shimano tent at the first NORBA race of 2004. New venue this year, with a new and expanded schedule, more UCI points and some prizemoney; this year looks much brighter than last for elite-level mountain biking here in the US.

Waco. New course for the pros, but a familiar one for riders of the spring MTB series here in Texas. As compared to other venues here in the US, which mostly consist of ski resorts at much higher elevations, this seven mile XC course is tight and thickly wooded, with repeated short climbs and descents. I rode one lap of the course after working today and the main factor facing the large pro field is going to be the lack of passing opportunities on the course. It really is super tight all the way around.

The riders. Good to see lots of old faces, some in new jerseys this year. In a sport of declining job opportunities, it appears like there is a little upside in this Olympic year. Lots of pro riders talking about how early it is in the year for a race (not quite fit yet) and how long the season is with the finals in September (post-World's and Olympics). Throw in the new upgraded points - the race is now E1 - and the cash (around US$8000) for the pros, and this race will be very interesting. Some opted to ride the new Marathon event today, however, the marathon course was at a separate venue here in Waco, one with a much more open terrain than that found here at the XC venue.

The scene. The traffic today was really light in the Shimano tent. This race does not have any of the gravity events, which dramatically reduces our workload. Plus the marathon competition today was off-site. The other odd thing about this NORBA venue here in downtown Waco, is that it is a city park. While we usually have otherwise vacant ski resort just for the race, today I watched business people walk to the park to enjoy there daily lunchtime, and they found the pro bike race tent circus. It will be interesting to see how successful this event will be in this novel setting. Hopefully it will be a new way to draw spectators to bike racing.

The news. The Rocky Mountain team lost a trailer on the way down here - no-one was hurt, but we are helping them out this weekend. TREK/VW's new jerseys are interesting to say the least, think plaid (I will try to get a photo tomorrow). Due to the early date this year, lots of team riders are still waiting 2004 team equipment. I have seen and worked on a number of pro bikes that are 2003 handovers. Everyone has been saying that Sonoma (NORBA #2) will be the first race with all the new gear. Coming down the pipeline at Shimano is a new off-road group called "HONE" and Ultegra 10 on the road side. Both should be 2005 spec, but I will see if I can get some of the inside scoop soon.

Tomorrow starts the competition with a short time trial for the pros. It should be an interesting preview for the short track and the XC, both will place a premium on a fast start and a top 10 position before the single-track.

Much more tomorrow, thanks for reading.

CD