Does this mean that Nico's buying the next round?

Steve Peat made history yesterday in Andorra. At the 3rd World Cup DH race of the season, the 35-year young fresh father of two took his second victory of the season. In doing so, he racked up World Cup win number 17, surpassing Nicolas Vouilloz’s longstanding record, to become the winningest DH World Cup racer, ever. Along the way, he also vaulted to 100 points clear in the World Cup overall standings, and this win, combined with fellow Santa Cruz Syndicate riders Greg Minnaar in 3rd and Josh Bryceland in 9th, put the Syndicate on top of the team overall.

Folks might have to stop calling Peaty “old school” now. I nominate “Peaty fresh” as a suitable alternative. Mmmmm, fresh peat…

It’s early in the season, but home turf is coming up with the next round, in Fort William, Scotland, and Peaty is on a tear. Last weekend he played on years of experience to dominate a tactically demanding unfamiliar course. Sam Hill was quoted after the race as having gifted the victory to Peaty in honor of his newborn son. However, if any gifting occurred, it was most likely in Andorra yesterday, when Hill took an absolutely massive digger at speed while running close to two seconds ahead of the pace. Peaty rode a more conservative race and squeaked out a couple hundredths of a second victory over Gee Atherton. It would appear that lady luck, who could be described as Peat’s longest-standing rival, is having a change of heart. Not wanting to jinx anything, but could this be the year that Peaty, who could be described as the Raymond Poulidor of downhill racing when it comes to his luck at the World Championships, shakes the monkey off his back?

Fingers crossed. Cheers, Peaty! You are doing it up right.

Ricky Bobby hoses the World Cup leader down. Payback for the French Bath given to him the previous week... Kathy Sessler photo

For those gravitationally obsessed, you can’t find a much better source for the innards of the sport than our friend Spomer over at littermag.com. Get your fill there. He’s got a better video of Sam’s crash than the one we posted…