DH
Where was Nicolas Vouilloz (FRA, Vouilloz Racing Team)? The champ's presence was missed this weekend, but fans might as well get used to it; he's out until Worlds. Nico injured his pinky in training at Maribor, and subsequent training aggravated it. So he went under the knife 10 days ago, repairing tendon and ligaments to his finger. He'll be back on the bike in a few weeks, do a French national race, then come to Kaprun for worlds all fired up to get win #10.

Happy birthday Mikey! Mike King celebrated his 33rd on Saturday night - with all his buddies, a live band and plenty of drinks around. He was still suffering Sunday, but took the time to manage the XC riders, tear down his Haro team truck and then party again before a 6am flight home. He's good people.

Kashi Leuchs (NZL, Volvo-Cannondale) also celebrated his birthday Sunday.

XC winner Filip Meirhaeghe (BEL, Specialized) wore a cool Specialized crown on the podium, because he IS the king (this week). We wonder what a hassle it must be to travel with that thing, then to not win.

And where was the #1 women's XC rider Marga Fullana (ESP, Orbea)? As most of us know, she races in Europe only, and her boyfriend/manager hates to travel. So she has most likely given up the world cup title, but we'll know for sure next week in Grouse Mountain.

The Global Team may be a downhill squad, but that didn't keep Team Chief Martin Whiteley from offering $1,000 for the fastest male rider in Sunday's XC race. Part training and part publicity stunt (see, it worked), the boys were battling it out with the XC pros - who don't always appreciate their presence. Greg Minnaar won the challenge and the grand - finishing 77th (dead last) after being pulled with 3 laps remaining.

Other hardest working man in downhill - Cedric Gracia? At least five laps on the XC course before his DH (he's training for a French XC race) Then all his DH and 4X training, qualifiers and finals - plus the partying. Where does he get the energy?

"The only way to pass is if someone makes a mistake."
-Brian Lopes (USA, Fox/GT), commenting on the 4X courses so far this season.

"F**k skinsuits!"
-DH winner Steve Peat (GBR, Orange England), offering his opinion on the benefit of skinsuits, such as was worn by round 2 winner Kovarik.

"Gay Boy" (or something like that)
- Written on the back of Peaty's new helmet, in Japanese kanji, by helmet designer Troy Lee. "Very funny," said Peat once he had it translated by one of Global's Japanese riders who laughed when he read it.

Where are the women? Only 28 downhill pro women raced in their qualifier race, and some of the slower ones were really slow. If you're a fast female downhiller, maybe it's time to go pro and give these ladies a run for their money?

Besides being a good 4X racer, Michal Prokop (CZE, Be-One) is a honch BMXer as well. He's finished 1st and 2nd in two European BMX races, and will race in Colorado before the Telluride world cup.

In case you were wondering, the sweet DH photo by Mark Dawson on all the event posters, fliers and ads is of former Intense rider Michael Ronning - not last year's winner Chris Kovarik.

We may all get to see more of cutie Gunn-Rita Dahle (NOR, Merida International) next season. She told us that if her world cup results don't pick us this season, she may move to Boulder and race NORBAs for a U.S. team.

Let's see:
Alison Dunlap (USA, Luna Chix) and Jimena Florit (ARG, RLX Polo Sport) are friends, and have worked together several times at races to help the other out. This week Dunlap needed as many points as possible to take the overall lead from Fullana. Florit would have earned 20 more points than Al if she finished 3rd. As it was, Dunlap finished third (by one second), got the 20 points and is now - coincidentally - 20 points ahead of Fullana in the overall.

Cheers to local gal Marie-Helene Premont for getting 7th place. The MSA resident was getting bigger cheers than any other Canadians today.

Bart Brentjens (NED, Giant Bicycle) and Christoph Sauser (SUI, Volvo Cannondale) were the only XC riders on the front row to run disc brakes.

Is the MSA Sunday Night Party dead? After a long night of partying Saturday night, it wasn't surprising to see only a few dedicated revelers - namely Steve Peat and Cedric Gracia - tying one on Sunday. But the Krazy Kostume party didn't really happen Sunday night, as the organizers headed for the airport to set up next week's race in Vancouver. Let's hope they go all-out for next year's party - and the circuit's best tradition.

— Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Correspondent