Joe Smith of Chainreactioncycles-Nukeproof at World Cup #5 in Windham, New York. Picture by Sebastian Schieck/MTBCut

JCW, June 29, 2012 — 16:44pm

World Cup cheat sheet: Windham 2012

Get up to speed in time for Sunday’s big race

The World Cup circus has hit the small town of Windham, New York, with RedBull.tv commentator Rob Warner as ringmaster. Aaron Gwin’s still the star of the show but a host of others are waiting in the wings, ready for him to slip up. Roll up, roll up for the greatest show on earth!

The track

Windham’s a short track where the racers can’t afford to make any mistakes. Conditions are currently drier than Sam Hill’s sense of humour and dustier than a snake’s ass in a wagon rut, which should make for fast and loose racing. Over to the experts…

This Is Peaty track walk:

Source: This Is Peaty / Steel City Media

Claudio Calouri helmet cam:

Source: Red Bull

The riders

Only a brave man would bet against Aaron Gwin – he’s way ahead in the series rankings, with 900 points compared to second placed Greg Minnaar‘s 765, and racing on home soil. He only came 55th in timed practice but why rush when there are no points at stake?

Gee Atherton‘s lying in third place overall with 640, Danny Hart is fourth with 525 and Sam Hill is fifth with 461. With two rounds left after Windham, it’s not over yet. Andrew Neethling won timed training, so he’s one to watch too.

The race for the women’s title is much closer, with Emmeline Ragot just 40 points ahead of Rachel Atherton (740 vs 700), who missed the first round in South Africa. Myriam Nicole‘s third, followed by Tracey Hannah and Emilie Siegenthaler.

Thursday practice:

Source: Dirt / Orpheus Productions

The racing

Qualifying kicks off at 2pm (7pm BST) local time today. Results will be posted on the UCI website. The main event kicks off at 1.15pm (6.15pm BST) on Sunday, with the women going first and the men following from 2pm (7pm BST). The finals will be streamed live on RedBull.tv.

World Cup newbie? Check out our Instant Expert guide. Head over to our World Cup hub page for all the latest goings-on, and check out our pick of the top moments from previous Windham World Cups.