The fourth part of the series takes us to a place which every athlete would better avoid. Michal’s shoulder, injured at the last year’s 4X World Cup in Canada, seemed to be finally OK … until his tumble in the training [...]]]> Twelve months, twelve short documentaries on a long way to success. Trainings. Races. Travelling. Life.

The fourth part of the series takes us to a place which every athlete would better avoid. Michal’s shoulder, injured at the last year’s 4X World Cup in Canada, seemed to be finally OK … until his tumble in the training for BMX Supercross in Madrid. The two BMX races in Florida confirmed that old problems were back again and so, contrary to the plan, the camera of Rob Trnka aimed at a sterile environment of the rehabilitation clinic Malvazinky instead of the dust of races… But first, we stop in 9395 Bikes, the kingdom of bike-epicures, which is dominated by dexterous hands and incessant doses of jokes of Dlouhan, the tallest of all the mechanics there. In this place Michal’s new machines come into world with the AGang name before each season. Two weeks were left until the first part of the World Cup in Belgian Houffalize and Michal had to watch the opening race of the Czech Cup and the premiere happening Euro Fourcross Series in the home track Polis.13 only as a spectator. But in the end he succumbed to temptation and in the evening he took his place at the start for training at least for a while. The double world champion has found an amazing place for the last days for preparations before the proper start of the main season in Krusne hory on the fourcross track in Kraslice and on surrounding trails. Looking in the latest results we can be sure that there is nothing that could beat Michal Prokop. But thanks to the TWELVE you also already know that the way to the top is sometimes more long and winding than the Rob’s trails.

This is TWELVE – a new project of the mountain biker and BMXer Michal Prokop produced by Red Bull. Camera takes the past month of Michal just as he has actually spent it. Without any adornments and planning. It doesn’t aim to celebrate the leading actor; it wants to capture by its sincereness. TWELVE doesn’t create dramatic situations, but it catches them if they arise.

Then it’s [...]]]> Episode 3 of The Atherton Project sees the whole crew gearing up for the first UK National of the year in Rheola, South Wales. It’s Rachel’s first proper race back on the bike, and having her competing again raises the spirits of the whole team, but will this positive energy result in podium places?

Then it’s on to Monterey, California for the Sea Otter Classic. It’s the first chance this year to check out just how good the competition are looking after a hard winter’s training. With Gee having picked up a minor injury, he’ll be watching the Downhill from the sidelines for the first time in 4 years, while Dan and Rach face a tough challenge in the punishing slalom event.

Watch the Swedish guys getting prepared for the contest season 2010 and having good times in Malaga (ESP)

Episode 2 of The Atherton Project sees Gee and Rachel let loose in Gauvia for the first round of The Maxxis Cup. It’s the first race of the year, and it’s Rachel’s first race in a year – will nerves get [...]]]> Gee and Rachel let loose in Gauvia for the first round of The Maxxis Cup.

Episode 2 of The Atherton Project sees Gee and Rachel let loose in Gauvia for the first round of The Maxxis Cup. It’s the first race of the year, and it’s Rachel’s first race in a year – will nerves get the better of her? Gee’s spent an intense winter training and honing his race speed, but making this pay off on the rain-soaked track is going to be another matter… Meanwhile Dan heads for Madrid and a brand new challenge in Round One of the UCI BMX Supercross. It’s a tough and unforgiving new discipline – does Dan have what it takes to run with the BMX big boys?