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For riders, bikes, and mechanics, the Fort William track is a brute: long, hard and relentless, and it inevitably comes with a healthy dose of rain and dirt. The work-rate was high but the rewards weren’t immediately apparent; day one of practice and timed training left some substantial question marks over what was needed to get up to pace.

Qualification day came around with the mindset, “today is a new day”. And indeed it was. The process continued, progress quickened and it felt like the jigsaw pieces were beginning to fall into place. That said, Thibaut had a lucky escape from a crash in morning practice, and Tristan hit the deck twice in his Quali run which disappointingly meant he didn’t make it through to finals. Fort William always throws a curve ball or two, but on the whole it felt like we were heading in the right direction.

Race day rolled round and the crowds rolled in. Nervous energy hung in the air like the rain as the riders tried to piece together the final preparations amidst the building atmosphere of the Fort. 

Hugo was first to race. He had been looking comfortable on the bike and confident in his lines over the week, but the stars are yet to align for him at the World Cup. A clipped rock resulted in a broken derailleur, and with that the chance to prove his speed was ended. Still, he safely made it down for 11th place and some points in the bag. 

For Myriam, being in the start gate in Fort William was in itself a victory. After suffering with a concussion since Lourdes, Pompon kept it safe and solid, finding the balance of pushing hard whilst managing fatigue and risk. She was rewarded with a fine third place, showing once again her physical strength and mental tenacity.

Onto the Men’s race and what will remain an especially memorable day for the team. It’s an amazing feat to win a World Cup, but to come first and second in the same race is really something phenomenal. 
It’s not since Lenzerheide last year that Thibaut has had a clean World Cup race run, but after a slow start to the week things clicked into place when it mattered and he produced a brilliant performance. He wasn’t confident that it would be enough to stay on the podium, but as it turned out there would be only one man to go faster. 

That man was Amaury, who made it three wins in a row in Fort William, and two wins on the bounce this World Cup season. No amount of Scottish rain could put out the fire in his belly, and he certainly lit up Fort William. Again. 
It’s easy to say that Momo is a machine, but the emotional rollercoaster of his week shows his deeply human side. The struggle was real, but the rewards were sweet. 

So many tiny details have to come together in order to place first, second and third at a World Cup. It's not as easy as 1, 2, 3!  From the precise lines on track to the perfect bike set-up; from physio treatment to nutrition; from the right equipment to the right environment and the right headspace.
Team work makes the dream work, and we certainly made it happen this weekend!