At Arm's Length – Norco Race Division Takes on World Champs

Just Getting Started S2 EP 8: Two near-podiums, big crashes, and all heart on one of the steepest tracks of the year.

World Champs always hits different, with athletes showing up ready to prove themselves as fastest rider on the planet. The latest episode of Just Getting Started covers the weekend in Champery: bringing rain and one of the steepest, slickest tracks of the year, testing Norco Race Division at every turn.

Practice kicked off with Lina looking dialled, Danny steady, Lucas bouncing back from crashes, and Gracey figuring out a new course to her. When the skies opened up, the track turned brutal. Humid and hot with a layer of grease, and so steep there’s no chance to reset and break it up. You’re in it the whole way down.

Lina thrived, riding with her signature aggressive, smooth style, and consistent as always. Crossing the finish line 12.9 seconds into the lead and then storming to fourth in her first-ever Worlds: .08 seconds from a podium.

She delivered a brilliant run. It was a close fight. She’s motivated and I think she’ll be very satisfied once she’s had some time to reflect.

– Alan Milway, Team Manager

Gracey hit her stride after a tough start and also finished fourth—less than three seconds off the win.

She really put a good run down this week and she should be really proud of herself.

– Danny Hart

Lucas dug deep after two massive crashes left him bruised and sore, pushing through and completing his weekend with a positive attitude and the dedication he’s known for.
It’s incredible how he just strapped himself up and was like, ‘Let’s just see what I can do.’ He should hold his head high because everyone noticed the effort he put into being out there even though I think 99% of the population would have said, ‘I’m not doing this.’

For Danny, Champery was a celebration of what he’s done in Champery. Fans packed the tape to celebrate his legendary 2011 run and see him ride.
He’s still the King of Champery. The fans were on the side of the track absolutely loving seeing him ride.

No medals, but no shortage of heart this weekend, with two near-podiums, plenty of resilience and drive, and some insane riding. Check the full episode to hear the story. Norco leaves Champery hungry for the next one, and ready to get back to the World Cup circuit.