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Saturday, September 11

The mechanic staff remembers where they were on September 11, 2001. Chip, TJ, and Calvin were in a garage, and Matt was at the Shimano® truck, at Vail, Colorado, during the 2001 World Championships. It was difficult to keep our minds on our work, but the USA Team Shop was proud to represent our nation at an event attended by the peoples of the world. In Les Gets, we have the Downhill Championships, Trials Men's semi-finals 26-inch, and 4-cross Championships.

The shop puts out a lot of work. We repair many things on the spot, and the rider is off. However, if a rider leaves the bike, we write a repair ticket, getting symptoms of any problems from the rider. We could not remember every bike, and every detail, so it is recorded.

There was rain in the morning. The downhill riders came to the shop to switch to mud tires. The rain cleared and the course dried, as the photo of Luke Stobel leaving the starting gate shows.

The downhill is a very intense event. Mental preparation is critical, and riders have different techniques to get themselves ready. On the left is Chris Vandine riding a trainer, but in his mind he is seeing the turns and drops.

On the right, David Klassenvanorshot study his notes on the course.

There was rain in the morning. The downhill riders came to the shop to switch to mud tires. The rain cleared and the course dried, as the photo of Luke Stobel leaving the starting gate shows.

It was a long difficult hike to get to the start of the downhill. We do not bring our full box, but just roll ups and some select tools. Calvin's roll is on the top, while Matt Eames is the lower.

The venue is like a circus, and it is well attended. The course above is a small trials course for children. The bikes are provided.

There is a huge screen in town so everyone can watch. The French team celebrates a victory for Fabien Barel, after Steve Peat crashes in the last turn.

There are many trade teams and corporate programs in the venue area. Robert Vunderink runs the Shimano® Multi-Service program in Europe, and without it, there would be no worlds.

There are two team therapists, Bernard Condevaux and Larry Fox. They provide rubs, assists the medical staff when necessary, and take care of the rider feeds in the race. Bernard is working a lower back, a common problem area for mountain bikers.

Mike Carter wins the World Championship 4X. He comes from trailing in third, went high in a corner and dove down to pass both riders for the win. The event is quite a show, with Euro disco music and dancers.

The 4X is basically BMX on a the side of a mountain. The jumps get increasingly intense as the riders play the crowd.

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