Photohack’s Journal #3 – No glove no love in Vallnord

Pro-snapper Keith Valentine just sent us update #3 from the World Cup in Vallnord.

4X is gearing up and after the shitty weather the riders have finally got out on the mountain.

Read on for the latest in Andorra…

Friday

“Thursday night’s 4X practice was cancelled due to heavy rain and a soft track so as usual the riders only got one day of practice. All the riders seemed in high spirits though and as there was no racing to shoot I took a few shots round the pits instead, which you can see on my Flikr.

I made the rather stupid choice to pitch my tent at the top of the mountain last night and temperatures fell to 1.4c at one point (very cold). It looks like Saturday morning will be dry with patches of sun but still bitterly cold so any riders thinking no gloves better think again!

Ps – Broadband speed in the press tent is by far the fastest on the world circuit and the food is great too – other organisers need to raise their game!”

Saturday

“So the media room doesn’t open till 8.30 and riders are on the mountain at 8am. The media room also closes 30 minutes after the 4X finishes. What’s that all about?

Dan Atherton crashed in DH practice with a suspected fractured collar bone and so did Charlie Phillips, possible leg or pelvis injury. Fastest in practice by far was Sam Hill – he did 12 runs yesterday in nice sunny weather. In the 4X Jill Kintner, fresh from Olympic bronze, was back on form and showing them all how it’s done. Jared Graves kicked some ass too.

I’ll try and keep you informed of what’s what but the media are up in arms with the crappy service and crappy access to the media room. I’ve got some cool shots that I’ll send through soon.”

www.flickr.com/photos/phunktcom/sets/

Phunkt.com

Huge thanks again to Keith forbattling the worst the World Cup can throw at him and getting this beamed over – what a legend! Cheers mate!