Kathy Sessler was there to support Nathan Rennie, Santa Cruz Syndicate rider.
Gee Atherton photo courtesy of pedrocury.com
On Thursday, the Red Bull Challenge at the Gold Mine was started by some of the most famous bikers. It is the first time that a biker has ever competed in a gold mine, as it is a brand new event in Brazil.
It’s wild, all dark and crazy. I’ve never been on a circuit like this before. Mario Jarrin, second in the Red Bull Challenge of the Prophets and 4-time Ecuadorian champion, was very happy. He is also a Pan-American medalist.
The bikers referred to the track as fast, citing the difficulty of the track’s terrain, darkness, and the final sprint. The circuit had a length of 679.7m and three artificial obstacles. It was completed in 50 seconds by the fastest riders.
It’s quite different than other tracks. It seems like I’m going straight, but then I realize I’m not and I fall into ruts. I also feel like my head is going straight, and the adrenaline levels are much higher, because you know that a fall here could be far worse than falling on a regular track. Marcos Marra was second in Sao Paulo’s state in 2005.
Nataniel Giacomozzi was another biker who commented on the challenges of the track. Santa Catarina’s biker was second at Red Bull Down Taxco 2005 in Mexico. He is now number two in Brazil downhill. This is a very unique experience, and it’s really amazing. There is more tension when you ride and can see all the rocks. It is very fast and interesting. Nataniel said that this surprising feeling is because it’s very dark inside.
QUALIFYING
Gee Atherton, an English biker, came first with a time 0
Gee Atherton was encouraged by the result. Nathan Rennie came in second, 2 seconds ahead. The only thing I can think of is first place. The title is what I want. Gee said, « I won’t be satisfied with any other place than the first. »
However, Nathan Rennie and Markolf Berchtold from Brazil promised to make it difficult for the Englishman at the final. Nobody wants to be second. Rennie said, « I already have a clearly defined line and I know what I must do tomorrow to earn the title. »
Markolf, the number seven world ranking, seemed also very confident. Although I don’t know how much time I can save, I believe I can. Let’s see how it goes.
Walace Miranda and Anderson Furlanetto will be competing for first place. Volkmar Berchtold and Mario Jarrin will also be participating. Sgarbi (Rio de Janeiro), Joao Ludolf, (Minas Gerais), were locked in a fight for the tenth and last qualifying position. Ludolf lost out. I will keep the competitions results on my bike and use them for the rest my life. He said that he regrettably regretted the fact that I could do a little more when I look at it.
WIP OUTS
The wipeouts attracted attention during the elimination rounds, in addition to the impressive results of some of the best bikers around the world. Guilherme Bisarria, Minas Gerais, was performing well until a fall ended his chances of winning. At the start of the circuit, the chain for Pablo Cingolanis was removed. This eliminated all chances for the Argentinean to qualify for the finals. Felipe Wermuths was the one who did the most dramatic wipeout. He was at the entrance to the mine, and he rolled down the track for 9.1m. Santa Catarina’s biker injured his leg and arm. I didn’t worry about my injuries when I fell. Wermuth said that at that moment, the only thing that crossed my mind was that I had lost my chance of qualifying.
Kyle Strait was not a factor in qualifying. A 16th place finish at
THE FINALE
Redbull.com: Final day reporting
That was how it ended. Gee was last to begin the final, and again he did well in unusual conditions. Gee pedalled at speeds of 64 km/h through the tunnels, which were only dimly lit and narrow in the rock. It was the final climb to the finish that proved decisive. Gee stated that Nathan is stronger and bigger than me, but I pedalled harder today than he did. Atherton was only rider who completed the course in under one minute.
REDBULL CHALLENGE IN GOLD MINE RESULTS
1. Gee Atherton 2. Nathan Rennie 3. Markolf Berchtold Walace Miranda 5. Anderson Furlanetto 6. Djone Fornari 7. Mario Jarrin 8. Volkmar Berchtold 9. Nataniel Giacomozzi 10. Robert Sgarbi
