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Oh boy here we go, it’s that time again for a year of predictions. Yeah, it’s a bold move making predictions but why not? It’s not like we aren’t versed in making plans and have them tossed upside
down within weeks, heck, even days! Here’s a mini mix of hope and what seems to be some clear observations, surely I can’t go wrong?
Year of the teaser
Why? What’s the point? Why is everyone trying to build suspense with a teaser. You don’t need to tell me that you’re going to tell me something in the future, there’s no reason to pre tell. Just tell me what you want me to know. It's ridiculous, and there will be more than ever this year. Bike companies are so deep in a quagmire of supply chain issues that they are still struggling to deliver bikes ordered, sometimes more than a year ago! Meanwhile everyone’s marketing departments have had nearly 2 years to develop storylines for products that are so far away from production that all they can do is tease us for what’s to come, in 2024...
Mainstream media finally gets it
I think everyone has their fingers crossed for this one. The massive uptake of cycling from what seems like every corner of the country is surely making someone sit up somewhere in the media-verse. Australia has a disproportionate number of athletes filling up podiums around the
globe compared to how much support is available at a national level here, and yet it goes unnoticed for all but the seriously dedicated follower. What realistically might happen though, is that all the hard work put in by athletes won’t be the catalyst that launches the sport to a new level. Rather, a Media Bigwig’s daughter or son will take up the sport and hopefully start dragging their parents to a race or two. Here’s hoping!
Aussie Dominance - and long may it continue
A carry-on prediction from above. The last 4 World Championships of the Enduro World Series have gone to Aussies. Well technically just two riders but still, Jack Moir and Sam Hill have carried themselves far above everyone else in their pursuit of title glory. The world’s best have been throwing themselves down hills, at times literally, to try and crack the dominance that Australia has on the overall trophy. Sure, every champion is different. The under dogs, title favourites and the villains... Every rider is different, but the way Jack and Sam have gone about it should make everyone extra proud, if that is even possible. During Sam’s back-to-back- to-back titles (wow) he shared a now famous tip for how he manages to get through the gruelling stages during an off-hand interview: peanut butter and jam sandwiches. This was in the midst of other international riders testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. Typical Australian. How good.
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NEW YEAR, NEW PREDICTIONS
WORDS CHRIS PANOZZO PHOTO JACK FLETCHER