Don't worry wonkydh - shishka probably doesn't even ride - or maybe he's still trying to work out how to get the bolts off his training wheels. The lad is obviously frustrated that he can't ride on two wheels - so he always has one hand on his bell end the other typing crap on Pinkbike

I have used Spuds for nearly 20 years and they are still my first choice when I go downhilling. It's second nature for me to clip out when I need to - I have even used them for trials. But if a course or track is unpredictable due to mud or loose gravel then the flats will come out. Maybe riders are not setting up the tension correctly because they shouldn't be that tight that you are still clipped in after a big spill.

I'm sure this will inspire Brian to come back harder next year. Nothing lasts forever and it's good for the sport to have the king knocked off his thrown occasionally

Understood it was all toungue in cheek ajanthon. I actually think you may be half right, especially with the current rise of Troy Brosnan. Even Monster Specialized must be thinking - "we had another rider didn't we" I'm sure Sam will give it everything at the World Champs like last year if he is injury free.

One of the most approachable riders to come out of OZ. I remember turning around in the line-up of my first Nationals race to see Scott was coming down after me. Crap was my initial thought. Crap crap crap. But after we had a bit of talk I felt a lot better. Still didn't stop me from running off the course in the first 100m.

True - winning the overall title does show you are the best or most consistant rider on the circuit over a season. But the World Champs is that one race where you cannot make a mistake - there is no second chance. And I reckon that a majority of guys who have won on the WC circuit would trade it all for a set of rainbow stripes. As per the NFL - it doesn't matter if you top the table all year - it's the Superbowl that matters. Gwin's got the title sown up with some of the best riding seen for a long time. Can he bring it to the big stage and take home the crown?? My money would be on him. But stranger things have happened. Rockwell in 2000 for one.

Sam - the guy who has won more World Championships than anyone else in the last 10 years. And second only to Nico. World Cups are one thing - wearing the rainbow jersey is another.

I think France is well ahead of any other country when it comes to producing some of the best riders in the world. The stocks may have dried up lately but no other country comes close. Over the last 18 years or so; 8 x XC World Cup Series Winners 17 x DH World Cup Series Winners 1 x Dual Slalom World Cup Series Winners 2 x 4x World Cup Series Winners 6 x XC World Championships 22 x DH World Championships 2 x 4X World Championships 10 x 26" Trials World Championships Barel won back to back in 04/05 and Emmeline Ragot in 2009 so sucess isn't that long ago and both riders are still up there

Considering that NZ & OZ have four riders in the current top ten WC DHi rankings and the current senior & junior world champs, I think we have proved that we deserve a regular spot on the WC tour - in either country. There are better places in OZ to hold a WC level event than dusty old Stromlo.

I Still have my Lee Donovan World Champion sticker that Troy Lee did for her after the 95 Worlds - showing off that booty in the World Champion skirt. Great career, great inspiration, great person

Fly the flag Grubby!