Tales of The Mob - Episode 2, Fort William

Fort William often produces great drama for both the fans that pack into the venue and for the hundreds of thousands watching at home; with this year’s edition being no exception. Most of the top ranked riders from 2016 arrived into Scotland without protected status thanks to the rained out end of round 1 in Lourdes (FRA). Other riders had higher than expected rankings that they wanted to hang on to, so the stage was set for a many changes in the overall ranking, and many possible surprises.

For the 15th time in a row, the legendary World Cup track in Fort William offered everything what makes downhill racing so exciting: a demanding track, changing conditions, and of course a crowd that knows how to cheer and celebrate the best riders in the world.

Last week the YT Mob went to Fort William to compete in the second round of the Downhill World Cup 2017. Unfortunately, the third rider, Angel Suarez, couldn’t join the team as he is still recovering from his wrist injury. So, his team mates Aaron Gwin and Neko Mulally had to challenge throughout the weekend without the lively Spaniard.

The qualifying on Saturday went quite well on the 3.07 km long track: Neko came in 21st and Aaron 5th. Their results indicated an exciting race and provided good starting positions for the guys. The wood section in the middle part of the track caused considerable havoc – the rinsed-out root section and loads of mud even caused the top riders to fall.

Race day started with sunny weather which actually means nothing in the Scottish Highlands as it can turn into the complete opposite within minutes. Neko showed an incredible run which resulted in his best ever performance in Fort Bill. As one of the first riders he managed to get through the wood section smoothly and with a total time of 4:46.099 he joined Troy Brosnan in the hot seat area. In the end, Neko went home with 7th place.

"This track has been a challenge for me over the years so to leave here with a solid result gives me confidence and keeps the momentum rolling.” (Neko Mulally)

His team mate Aaron started amongst the last five riders just when rain and heavy winds set in. In the upper part, it had no influence on his performance but his front wheel washed out in a lower section of the track while he was trying to set up for a left hander. This cost him two seconds of his lead. Finally, only two riders were faster than Aaron (4:44.143): Jack Moir and Greg Minnaar. “Great weekend here in Scotland. The fans were awesome and the track was tough as always. I really wanted that win today and I felt like the speed was there until that little crash towards the bottom of my run. I’m encouraged by my progress though and a 3rd place with a crash is a result that I will build on. Already looking forward to going to Leogang next week, I love that place!”

Aaron’s result pushed him 60 positions upwards in the overall ranking, now sitting in 8th position just behind his team mate Neko Mulally sitting in 7th. With two riders amongst the Top Ten Overall the YT Mob can look on a very good base to head towards Austria. From Thursday onwards the next round will take place in Leogang, a track which both Aaron and Neko love.