We're now in Spa Francorchamp, and took our first practice on the course today. Although different, its just as rough and raw as before. It was also raining cats and dogs today, so it was definitely some full on, hard core mtbing. Even while it was raining the course was very sticky, so looks like it could be a real power course. I've got the #11 plate, which might be front row if I'm lucky. But it doesn't make much difference, as the wide open start will allow for lots of passing so it's going to be an anaerobic lactate-legged scramble for that first single-track!

We have a huge team this weekend as the development team guys are all here too. These guys are mostly from Holland and race just a few world cups each year. The best rider, René, is from Germany and has had some great results already, finishing top 10 in a few German cups. Peter will come tomorrow, as he's had 2 major university exams this week... he's our team professor :) Will be cool to see if he can still race well.

The bikes are starting to shape up pretty nicely. This week some super sexy six13 scalpel frames arrived. Fredrik and Jakob will race on them from now on, but I'll wait until next week. Fredrik's bike now weighs in at 9.4kgs, not bad for a fully! I have only been back on the Scalpel for 2 weeks, (due to those buggers who stole my bikes!), but are adapting pretty quick. The best thing is definitely the lefty fork, which is seriously way better then anything else out there, and the extra travel will be super this weekend, as there are lots of deep ruts and holes forming!  ¶ 9:58 PM