![\"ccs-62657-0-91547900-1473313734.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-91547900-1473313734.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>The South African Downhill Team prepares ahead of the 2016 UCI MTB World Downhill Championships in Val di Sole, Italy from 6-11 September. Photo: Struan McMaster<\/span><\/p>\nThe Capetonian mentioned that there is rain predicted for the weekend, but is holding thumbs that it blows over. \u201cIf there\u2019s one track that you don\u2019t want it to rain on, it would be this one,\u201d he said. The Val di Sole track is steep, with many roots and rocks, which will prove to be a challenge for the riders in the wetter weather.<\/p>\n
Garlicki is feeling excited ahead of his race, and has shaken his feelings of disappointment from failing to qualify for the Finals at the World Cup in Andorra at the weekend. \u201cThere were a few issues on my bike which I\u2019ve managed to sort out and I am ready for the week, so we\u2019ll see,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Although Garlicki mentioned that the team felt a lot smaller because there are no cross-country riders (as events are split this year), he did add that he enjoyed the fact that the events around the weekend will be purely focused on the discipline of Downhill.<\/p>\n
He also didn\u2019t hide away from the fact that the course won\u2019t be an easy one. \u201cI feel that, for our Junior riders, this will probably be the toughest track that they\u2019ve raced. It\u2019s definitely the most technical on the World Cup circuit\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Junior rider, Coenie Slabbert (Giant South Africa) said: \u201cAt the moment I am really excited. It is a life long dream come true and a really big honour. I\u2019ve seen the track, and it is really rough, but it looks like a lot of fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cullen McMaster, who also forms part of the Junior team along with Slabbert and Christopher Philogene (Lapierre South Africa), is enjoying his time in Italy so far, and says that the atmosphere is great. \u201cJokes are flying around, and everything is going really well,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
When speaking about the track, McMaster said: \u201cI walked a bit of the track yesterday and its looking top notch. I\u2019m keen to start riding. Today is bike building and bike prep. I\u2019m ready for the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Elite team this year also includes three-time World Champion, Greg Minnaar (Santa Cruz Syndicate), who recently added to his World Cup Podium tally when he claimed the silver medal at the UCI Downhill World Cup in Andorra at the weekend.<\/p>\n
Jonathan Philogene (Lapierre) as well as Johann Potgieter also form part of the Elite Team.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s team is managed by South African Downhill enthusiast Sam Bull, who sits out of competing due to injury. Bull had an unfortunate accident at the African Continental Downhill Championships in Lesotho early this year, resulting in him having a full ACL reconstruction, an MCL re-anchor and meniscal repair to his right knee. \u201cI still wanted to be involved with the Downhill scene and remain current,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
After competing in World Championships over the past few years, Bull felt that he could apply his experiences and lessons learnt to some of those in the team. \u201cI felt like I could help out a lot and provide for the riders what they require in order to perform at their best. I want to help with the minor details that make the world of difference,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Bull is eager to help the Junior riders with bike set-up, line selection and mental approach to the weekend. \u201cIt\u2019s a course I know quite well having ridden it for the past few years. I\u2019m hoping to help bring out the best in the riders, and although I would have loved to have been riding, for now my goal is to provide the best possible platform for the athletes to achieve,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n