Clict Goes OS #3
Hey Australia,

Worlds has been run and won and Australia has definitely taken home some bacon.

It was funny listening to Ameil talk about a Team meeting where the head cross country coach spoke of how they were due for some medals. well yeah, sorry about that. Downhill only this time round. And the Australian DH team didn't even get embroided Pit Bags!

In all honesty we thought Sam Hill had it in the bag! When he crossed the line I think every Sam supporter wondered how it could be that he hadn't claimed the win. Speaking with Steve Peat after the race the final ten riders were all faced with some heavy wind resistance in the top section of te course which was tree less and very open. Sam's run was by no means ragged, it was more like he was blowing the doors off everything in his path. When he crossed the split in front of Barel's time the crowd was on its feet, as Hill was the first rider to go under Barels split time. In the lower half of the course Sam smashed apart two berms and despite it looking a million bucks it apeared to have cost him time. There was no doubt that Sam was pushing it in the lower half as he flat landed the bridge which also cost him some momentum into the following kicker. The kid was just going all out and it was simply awesome to watch him drive to the line. Crossing the line there was that suspense filled silence as the clock ticked over and dealt the hand of fate. Sam Hill second in the world.
 
A step up from Sam's second place was Ameil Cavalier in the Junior Men. Ameil rode loose with nothing to lose. His run was also something else when it came to watching it unfold on the big screen. I dont think I have ever seen someone win such a massive race yet remain so composed and content. I think both Sam and Ameil reflect this in their reactions and Ameil definitely showed a height of professionalism and modesty with his win.
 
The rest of the Aussie field definitely infiltrated the ranks with Elite Men seeing Bryn find some awesome form with a 7th place. Jared Graves missed his top ten aspirations by a mere 3 seconds finishing 16th. Kovarik placed 17th, Panozzo 21st, Hannah 34th and Rennie crashing out into 46th place despite being on a medal winning time before smashing into the flyover bridge.
 
The entire Australian Junior Team placed inside the Top 15 with Liam Panozzo also finding his way to the podium with 3rd, Ayden Eaves 6th, Darren Pokoj 9th, Chris Panozzo 12th and Hugh Mansfield with 15th.
 
Claire Whiteman had a good run by her account and looked happy with her top 30 finishing on 29th.
 
The 4X saw Jared Graves and Katrina Miller Both take out the silver medals in the Elite Mens and Womens categories with Graves riding super smooth. Wade Bootes battled sever stomach trouble to plave a credible 10th place with Bryn Atkinson doing well to back up from the DH with a 19th Place and Mick Hannah coming in 26th. Junior Darren Pokoj managed 37th with an early elimination.
 
Looking forward to coming home and putting a complete showcase of the Assie assault on the World Championships but for now I just hope you enjoy the images, courtesy of Chris Herron of course!
 
Cheers
 
Robbie McNaughton
CLICT Magazine

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