The new 4X track for worlds looks meaner then some DH courses I have seen. It's good to see a challenging track rather then a BMX course.
Canberra 4X track - just a little slice of awesome
- Thread starter jasonvelocity
- Start date
Everything at Stromlo is a lot better that last year, there has been heaps of work going on lately, especially the DH/4X. The 4X track is looking pretty good except for the fcuking sand pit and the jump with a hole in the middle
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Can't wait, the whole weekend will be epic!
.Can't wait, the whole weekend will be epic!
Yawn.... Looks like another groomed BMX course with a 6 foot long "boulder field" and some smooth moguls.
We've gotten to the point where I would say that the trend in track design for 4X and slalom is to make big BMX tracks with the occasional "cheesy" man made "mountain bike" sections. People complain, but if the sport wanted to go in another direction, it surely would have at this point. It is what it is, an even smaller niche sport than downhill. I would gander that the reason that many of us on this forum have done either is due to the convenience that 4X and slalom racing are done together with downhill events.
We've gotten to the point where I would say that the trend in track design for 4X and slalom is to make big BMX tracks with the occasional "cheesy" man made "mountain bike" sections. People complain, but if the sport wanted to go in another direction, it surely would have at this point. It is what it is, an even smaller niche sport than downhill. I would gander that the reason that many of us on this forum have done either is due to the convenience that 4X and slalom racing are done together with downhill events.
4X track looks decent enough, it's just missing a water jump. I'm curious to see the DH trail, last year's was an utter joke.
I agree. Without 4X being in close proximity, I might not have tried it. Having raced a few 4X races this year, I can say I am hooked. From the spectator point of view, watching 4X on freecaster or in person is far more exciting than watching DH. It may be a niche sport, but I believe that if we want more interest in biking from big dollar sponsors, the spectators will have to come first.
More exciting than DH? Uhhh, no. People seem to think that is the case for the "un-educated" spectator but I still think not. I have watched every WC on freecaster this season and not a single viewing of boreX. Maybe it's the fact that, someone is ALWAYS bitching about something, races are won by questionable tactics and or the second turn, or there is no notable personalities in the sport. It is a decent opportunity to hang out and drink beers with other riders if you happen to be at the venue, but other than that, free up the money and use it to grow DH.
I dunno, I don't want to rag on the sport or the people that compete in it, but it is a very small niche sport and unless there is a change in culture (something that takes time), all anyone can hope for is that viewership and exposure can be maximized. Luckily with new technology and media mediums (Freezecaster), that seems to be improving.
With regard to the tracks, it is what it is. Clearly, if riders, promoters, and cycling organizations wanted something different, it would be by now. I always hear people complain about the tracks being over-glorified (actually maybe under...) BMX tracks, but nothing has really changed, so what does that mean?
I just get a hoot out of the people that scream for a change of format from 4X to slalom or that by changing component X, Y, or Z it will become a larger more spectator friendly sport. Pushing 4X and slalom down people's throats is kind of like pushing soccer in the US or the WNBA. It's just not happening.
4X and slalom aren't really my cup of tea, but as long as there are people out there that enjoy it, more power to you all
this thread has "4X" and "Awesome" in the same title.
comedy gold?
comedy gold?
Stick,
Not everyone hates 4x as much as you and Todd.
Not everyone hates 4x as much as you and Todd.
I do.Stick,
Not everyone hates 4x as much as you and Todd.
...but then again, my name's Todd too...
If you like watching 4X then MX is alot more entertaining. While 4X often looks slow (I know it's fast in reality but on TV it just looks slow), MX on the other hand has good speed, long battles between riders, huge jumps, more riders on the track and at the start grid etc, it makes for better TV imo. That's why I think 4X might have a tougher time get TV-time. Of course both 4X and DH have TV-potential, just as good as skiing which get plenty of TV-time.
I think the Vigo 4x looked alot better than this track too.
Good reply: Honest without being derogatory towards a very similar sport.
Not to extend a silly argument farther than needed, but the only bike racing I have seen that is devoid of sweet berms it XC racing. I don't believe you intended that to be your point, but you should clarify.
Most 4X tracks I have seen do build on the BMX form, but add in multiple obstacles that test different abilities. I was delighted to see the Sol Vista nationals course had obstacles that challenged the best gate snappers and huckers. For a 30 second race, I don?t think you can find a more technical course short of some sort of
The St Anne course this year had some good stuff in it. The first (natural) rock garden caused a ton of flat tires for all and was pretty interesting to watch.
Bromont also had a pretty decent rock garden in the middle, it is unfortunate that they removed all the interesting line options for the finals. There was a way to cut the berm, and skim over the last flag before the toilet bowl, but the flags were moved for finals...bleh.
Ah well, I would like to see more variety for line choices...so not everyone goes single file down the run on the one "fast" line.
Bromont also had a pretty decent rock garden in the middle, it is unfortunate that they removed all the interesting line options for the finals. There was a way to cut the berm, and skim over the last flag before the toilet bowl, but the flags were moved for finals...bleh.
Ah well, I would like to see more variety for line choices...so not everyone goes single file down the run on the one "fast" line.
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I like it...not a 4x fan but the moguls look pretty sweet and at least they are making an effort to add some options. Line choice will be just as important as power and skills.
pretty sure the reasoning behind that statement is it's more exciting for spectators because they can see the entire (or most) of the course from a single vantage point; conversely, when watching a dh race, a spectator has to pick one part of the course to watch.
Think of every sport that has big money in it. Nearly every one of them can be viewed in an arena. If only mtb had the money to go around that football, baseball, basketball, etc have....
personally they have some very stupid lines on the WC finals course. why offer an inside line if theres no way of clearing the next jump? who are they trying to kid? and the sand pit jump? thats really dumb too, some of the girl riders cant jump the whole thing, so your going to make them ride thru sand? great idea!!
I remember the days at Seven Springs, Helen, Mt. Snow, Snowshoe where amateur slalom qualifying lasting from 1-5pm and the stream of riders going down was endless! That's the only justification a promoter should need to totally ignore Mountainfourskincrossdressercourse if they're not puttin on a World Cup. So go local...race slalom, get ridership.
My thoughts exactly.
Sure. My 575 is in commuter clothes now, but if you want to hit up tamo let me know.Hey Stone, up for some "mtb technical riding"?
Yeah, actually that would be great. I'm getting married next week, but I'm down for September. I don't know tam very well, but I'd love to check it out, especially if you're familiar.