WORLD CUP DH & REPORTJUNE 2
WORLD CUP DH & 2X #4 REPORTJUNE 8
Frances lAlpe dHuez, the famous site of the World Cup downhill race and four cross series, was the second stop. The Tour de France is what makes this area of the Alpine mountains so legendary. The Tour de France has seen some of its most memorable stage finishes. It is famous for its 21-switchback climb, which is infamously steep and tight.
DESPICABLE ITS DIRT
This weekend, lAlpe DHuez will be remembered for its downhill racing. After seeing how poor the cross-course was, riders threatened to boycott. It was basically a downhill course that had few jumps and was short. The course was fast and had few obstacles. It was ideal for heavier riders who don’t like to brake.
THE BEAT GOES ON
Despite all the complaining and grumbling, the riders raced. We’ve seen this year that the competition is tight and close with many new faces on the podium.
These are the highlights
FIRST TIME: This was Nathan Rennies’ first downhill win as a pro.
ONLY ONE: Anne-Caroline Chausson, World Cup DH and 4X Champion and World Champion 4X and DH riders respectively made their first and only World Cup appearances of the year. Her next race will be in September at Lagano (Switzerland) to defend her World Title.
WHAT A BLAST! WINNER: Tracy Moseley, Women 4X Winner, felt that the course was so flat and downhill-like that she won on a DH rig. She doesn’t normally race 4X, so it is the only bike she owns. After seeing the course’s speed and descent, she couldn’t resist. 4X is faster and more agile than the shorter travel bikes or hardtails.
AMERICA LEADING : Eric Carter holds a significant 25 point series lead over Prokop at the 4X. Tara Llanes is fourth for the women’s division.
LOPES UPDATE
World 4X Champion, and not-defending World Cup 4X Champions Brian Lopes, will be absent for two months. This leaves Brian with just four weeks to prepare to defend his title as world champion.
EPILOGUE
Lance Armstrong will soon be climbing lAlpe-dHuez with his U.S. Army in just one month. Postal Trek. It is 8.6 miles long with 1,089.1m vertical gain.
WORLDCUP DH #2 RESULTS
1. Nathan Rennie (Aust)Mad Catx – Ironhorse 2. Chris Kovarik (Aust)Intenseat 0.60
3. Fabien Barel (Fra)Kona Clarksat 0.65
4. Mickael Pascal (Fra).Maxxis-MSCat 1.78
5. Greg Minnaar (RSA)Haro-Lee Dungareesat 2.65
6. Cedric Gracia, (Fra),Siemens Mobile-Cannondaleat 2.82
7. David Vazquez Lopez (Esp)MSC Bikesat 4.04
8. Himar Sanchez (Esp)MSC Bikesat 4.45
9. Justin Leov (Nzl)at 5.13
10. Kris Hargreaves (GBr), at 5.65
20. Eric Carter (USA)Mongoos-Hyundaiat 7.95
WOMEN
1. Anne-Caroline Chausson, (Fra),Commencal 2. Tracey Moseley (GBr)Kona Clarksat 3.13
3. Celine Gros (Fra)Morzine Avoriazat 3.52
4. Marielle Saner (Swi)at 5.14
5. Emmeline Ragot (Fra)Maxxis-MSCat 5.28
6. Marla Streb (USA)Luna Chixat 5.93
7. Sabrina Jonnier (Fra)Intenseat 6.74
8. Bernardita Pizarro (Chi)at 6.75
9. Fionn Griffiths (GBr.Foes Azonicat 7.62
10. Nolvenn Le Caer (Fra)at 7.69
11. Kathy Pruitt (USA)Luna Chixat 10.11
WORLD CUP #4X #2 RESULTS
1. Eric Carter (USA)Mongoose-Hyundai
2. Michal Prokop (Cze).
3. Scott Beaumont (GBr)
4. Cedric Gracia (Fra),Siemens Mobile-Cannondale
5. Mike KingHaro-Lee Dungarees
6. Guido Tschugg (Ger)
7. Mickael Pascal (Fra).Maxxis-MSC
8. Roger Rinderknecht (Swi)
9. Wade Bootes (Aust)Trek–VW
21. Brian Schmith (USA)Mongoose-Hyundai
36. Chris Powell (USA).
WOMEN
1. Tracy Moseley (GBr)Kona Clarks
2. Katrina Miller (Aus)Jamis
3. Sabrina Jonnier (Fra)Intense
4. Tara LlanesGiant-Pearl Izumi
5. Celine Gros (Fra)Morzine Avoriaz
6. Lisa Sher (USA)Chumba Wumba
7. Marla Streb (USA)Luna Chix
8. Emmeline RagotMaxxis-MSC
16. Kathy PruittLuna Chix
