Shambhala DH Open Cup- Bulgaria 2012

15 May 2012  |  

The fact that the Shambhala DH in Sopot had qualified for UCI 1 status this year was perhaps reason enough to go but the location, the course, and the overall feel was as good a reason. We visit every year anyway just to take in the atmosphere, to meet up with old friends, and to watch some awesome racing. As a bonus you get to test your skills on the track after the main action is over.

However, this year was slightly different. We had been contacted by a couple of Irish riders, namely Christopher McGlinchey and Dan Sheriden (junior riders in the UK Nukeproof team) who were looking at the Shambhala as a way of gaining more valuable UCI points. They also wanted to take the opportunity to gain some extra practice before the WC events in Val'di'sol and Fort William. All was booked and we awaited their arrival on the 2nd May.

Onboard with Sam Dale:

As ever, especially in our lives, nothing ever goes smoothly. A day before their intended arrival we receive the unfortunate news that Dan Sheridon had damaged the tendons in his ankle during a training camp in Wales with the Atherton's and was unable to come. Chris McGlinchey was still keen to travel over from the UK. After many phone calls, emails and nearly 8 hours of delays Chris eventually hopped on our bus and made his way to Sopot, arriving much too late to do anything other than go to bed.

His late arrival meant that he missed the opportunity to walk the track but with the bike built and set up he made the most of the first day open practice session. I was so impressed by the young man's total lack of nerves and commitment to the job in hand. During practice I spent some time walking around the pit area where a large contingent of UK riders were in attendance, mostly at the bequest of RAM Bikes the organizers of the event. Last years winner Rob (Bertie) Smith, nursing a broken hand but still riding, Sam Dale, James Stock and Adam Brayton to name a few were taking part. I also got a chance to speak to Sasho Iliev the Bulgarian course designer and a great rider to boot. Interestingly, he is not a fan of Shambhala claiming it to be too tough, a bike and body breaker.

2012 Shambhala Open Cup

Chris had returned from his first practice run unscathed and totally stoked about the course. His first reaction was that the course was fast, loose and…oh so steep! Tyre selection, care of Schwalbe (one of Chris's sponsors) called for spikes, which were cut to shape with a pair of our wire clippers. Then he was off again… Five practice runs later and a walk of the course last thing put Chris in good mindset for the following days timed practice and qualifying. The first evening was spent discovering the culinary delights of Bulgaria (as all evenings were) and Chris being knocked back at the cheap prices. 'Class' was his favourite description.

The following day saw an early start to make the first lift for 09.00am. The weather, as the day before had been awesome with brilliant sunshine and hot temperatures. However, the course was causing a few problems for the riders. It was cutting up and extremely dusty if following slower riders which hindered visibility. Punctures were definitely starting to become a real issue for riders, including Chris. A quick change to heavyweight tubes and different tyres, Chris was back on the lift for the timed qualifying runs. He managed to qualify 6th overall, with the top 8 qualifying places dominated by UK riders.

2012 Shambhala Open Cup

Raceday - the morning spent in practice, racing proper to start at 01.30pm. Most riders had found the course changing. Increasing ruts and braking bumps now taking their toll and the dusty dry conditions made it somewhat precarious and challenging. Washing out now becoming commonplace. We all know Shambhala can be unpredictable but almost at the strike of 01.00pm the heavens opened. Thunder and lightning, almost biblical, saw teams run for cover, grabbing tents and gear alike, just to keep it on the ground. The timing unfortunately put an end to that days racing with the start being postponed until the following day. Almost in conjunction with that decision the sun comes out!...Only at Shambhala.

On the 2nd Raceday we saw another early start, most opting for only one practice run. The torrential rain had little effect on the track. It gave it a little more traction but it was still very loose with large sharp rocks finding their way onto the track, destroying lines and centering minds. The weather as forecast was gloriously hot and sunny. The race was on. I took the opportunity and headed up the mountain, Go Pro in hand to capture some of the action. I opted for the steep switchbacks near to the bottom of the course, finding a good spot beneath the main rock garden. I was witness to some skilful riding in these tough conditions. There were so many with problems, punctures especially. One poor rider suffered a completely collapsed rear wheel (he had actually sat on the start and discovered he had a puncture). I caught Chris on camera heading down to the steeps. Yes… he had a puncture! But the speed he passed made me look twice.

2012 Shambhala Open Cup

On returning to the pit area there were many tales of woe, mostly mechanical. Injuries this year were relatively small (3 broken hands, 1 collarbone, and only 1 concussion). There were many scrapes and bumps, but mostly big smiles, and much shaking of hands. The final results saw British rider Sam Dale beaten by only 6 hundredths of a second by talented Slovenian rider Ziga Pandur for the top spot. The top 8 finishers were dominated by the Brits. Chris finished in 18th place overall, even with a puncture he picked up mid course. He was slightly disappointed but it didn't deter him from entering the 4X where he finished 5th overall.

We stayed on for 2 more days. The first day we got a free ride up with the staff who were clearing the course. Four of us headed down the track, me very carefully. The course, perhaps the worse I had ever seen it, and I was on board a new bike. The course ran over the older route which is well known to me so it was not really an issue. The track had really cut up, especially in the steep section so the obvious line was not really visible. I had avoided gap jumps and kickers, intending to have a look on the 2nd run, the only exception was an offset drop-off near the bottom. I had a quick look and charged in. I dropped off to turn in the air but over jumped it and hit the soft stuff at the side. I vaulted and smashed into the track. Result?...cracked ribs!

2012 Shambhala Open Cup

Liberal amounts of painkillers (Ibrobrufen and beer) had me walking again but unfortunately not riding. Chris headed back up the track again with some Russians and our friend Nik. But the weather had the final word. Storms again, so the final day was a quiet one…

Overall, this was a truly great event. The UCI inspector gave the whole organisation the big thumbs up which looks very positive for the future. The upgraded UCI 1 status obviously attracted riders from many countries. Unfortunately, local rider numbers were down. Perhaps Shambhalas reputation for breaking bikes and bodies being a good reason, or maybe simply economics. Despite this it was great event. A real test for rider and machine. If Christopher McGlinchey's observation is to be taken, it is perhaps one of the toughest courses in Europe.

Big thanks to Simeon Stoilov for organising a memorable event, RAM bikes for main sponsor, Shambhala bike park for staging the event and numerous others for their input.

Thanks also to Nik for working in the rain to repair the course, and George at the 'Guest House at Home' for his welcome and comfortable accommodation.

If you fancy tackling the Shambhala next year drop us a line. Steve or Wendy @ mtb-bulgaria.com

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