Molson World Team Go Global

The MOLSON WORLD TEAM and the Nukeproof Scalp make their World Cup debuts this week in the wilds of South Africa at the first round of the UCI Downhill Mountainbike World Cup Series.

The teams Elite Downhill rider Rich Thomas flew out to his first ever overseas race adventure with a smile on his face and his awesome MWT Nukeproof racebike packed and ready for the flight and the race…

After a ‘wake up’ at the second round of the British series Rich has had a switch up in his mental and physical preparation for the first World Cup race. This is a very exciting time for all of us who are involved in every way, and at every level with the development of the team. After only two races the multi sport, MOLSON WORLD TEAM name is reaching another continent and this is thanks to the hard work from Rich and all our valued partners in sport.

Day 1.

Practice went well for the number 60 Nukeproof and RT ran some smooth training runs on the power sapping South African soil. The first days practice was finished with a timed run in which Rich took a steady run down to test the waters in the ‘power versus lung burn’ department. A smooth and steady run placed RT in 13th for the day. This is just training, but the indications from a ‘smooth’ run seem to bode well for a good race. The bike worked perfectly all day with every part being tested at some stage during the length of the course.



Day 2. Qualifying…

Another smooth SA day. Solid, smooth and focussed is the only way to describe Qualifying day in SA. Rich placed the MOLSON WORLD TEAM Nukeproof Scalp in 37th position on the day with another ‘under control’ ride leaving something in the tank for race day. The placing sets Rich as sixth fastest Brit on the day and proves the Nukeproof Scalp in MWT trim is more than capable of dealing with anything the UCI World Cup Downhill can chuck at it. The new focus and more time spent dialling rider and bike in seems to be working. Although 37th is not what we are working towards, it is a great and solid starting point for Rich and the teams first full years World Cup racing.

This is the story so far…. The ‘real deal’ is race day, but just for an hour or two its time to relax, drink an ISO2 Complete Recovery, look at the split times and dream of the glory days… Good times.



RACE DAY.

The race day pressure at the highest level is immense and Rich coped great on the day with another amazingly solid run on the MWT Nukeproof to take 43rd place in the final. The race final was possibly a little too controlled at times as the clock is always ticking. There is nowhere to hide at World Cup Downhill level so you have one shot at getting things dialled in and running at 110%. Rich gave the final his maximum effort with only a few minor errors, including a nose down to flat landing from the 50foot tabletop leading into the flat sprint pedal section of track. The clock was definately ticking and the Calvins where definitely under pressure at that point too!!! The run smoothed out after this ‘near miss’ and Rich brought himself and the Nukey solidly into the finish. The difference between the top guys at the beginning of this fantastic year for downhill mountainbiking is minimal and just a couple of mistakes make the difference from the front to the midfield to the final placings. World level racing should be this way and the MOLSON WORLD TEAM are proud to be on the World Cup trail with a positive and professional athlete like Rich.

Safari, road trip, Virgin flights and racing…This race trip was an amazing experience and will be invaluable in the future. Roll on the awesome, Fort William for round two.