The downhill event is more unpredictable than Cross Country due to the high rate of crashes. Last years event was marred by mechanicals, crashes and weather which accounted for many of the top seeds. With no Olympics on the horizon this is the event for the downhillers in 2008.

Mens Downhill

Sam Hill

The king of Downhill will go for his third rainbow jersey in a row on the Val di Sole course. Last year he proved he can ride in any conditions and showed his style on the Fort William course despite not training in the wet at all. The Australian has been turning it on again this year setting the World Cup competition alight winning the World Cup opener in Maribor by a stunning 3 seconds and only .3 of a second of the top step in Andorra to claim second. Expect big things from the Monster Energy rider who is no doubt smarting from that second place and fifth place at round three in Fort William.

Steve Peat

The Englishman has had a good year so far although the top step has elluded him with third at round 1 in Sloviniafourth at Andorra and a third at Fort William. Always capable on a good day, Peat could do it on Sunday.

Gee Atherton

Currently having his best ever year the Animal Commencal rider finished 6th, 1st and 2nd in the three opening rounds and he is a contender for the overall World Cup title already. His first place at Andorra wrapped up a trio of wins for team Atherton there that saw his older brother Dan claim the 4Cross and younger sister Rachel the Elite Womans race. With Dan out with a broken collarbone expect Gee to go all out and he could feature in a big way. Third last year at the World Champsionships last year, he will aim to go a bit better this year…

Greg Minaar

The South African has been relishing his move to the Santa Cruz Syndicate team this year with a 5th, 3rd and 1st so far this season, the all important win coming at Fort William so he is the form pick coming into this event. No stranger to the rainbow jersey (he won it in 2003) he will be looking to reaquaint himself this weekend.

Fabian Barel

2 time World Champion (2004 &2005), the Frenchman has a 4th and 7th so far this season which is far below his potential. A move to a new team in the off season has not paid of so far but Barel has definately got the mental strength to pull it off. Being second in Fort William last year will no doubt add to his motivation.

Off course there are many other contenders such as Nathan Rennie, Chris Kovarik, Brendan Fairclough to name a few.

Womans Downhill

Sabrina Jonnier

The 2006 and 2007 winner of the rainbow stripes, Jonnier has great form. A 1st and two 2nds this season so she is capable and the course could suit her.

Rachel Atherton

Could this be her year? Despite returning from injury she managed a 2nd at last years champs and has only gotten better since with a win at the last round of the World Cup last season. This year has seen really solid performances. 2nd, 1st and 3rd has seen her on all the steps of the podium. The absence of brother Dan might be either good or bad!

Tracy Moseley

The Kona rider came close in 2006, standing on the second step. A ruthless victory in Fort William proves she is on form and after the disapointment of failing to meet expectations in Fort William last year, doubtless she will be gunning for it.

There are other girls in the mix but barring a shock (and it has happened before) its unlikely that one of the above three won’t be listening to their national anthem come the weekend (and for Atherton or Moseley it may not be for them).