UCi World Cup Champery Finals

Pedal? You kidding?!

After the slop and slog of qualifying, race day could only be better. With no real rain to speak of, the track started to dry out – getting gloopier, stickier and slower. A lot of riders were coming off line and coming off their bikes- for example Justin Leov and Andrew Neethling were both nursing limps as they hobbled through the Trek tent.

At Fort William the British fans love racing from the second they arrive for the weekend – but here in Switzerland the fans arrive slowly, surely and only once the riders were heading up for their runs did the track start to fill. However the noise and passion still came through as they encouraged every rider through the treacherous track.

In the Womens event, we set up shop in one of the steepest sections – horrible entry over roots, chicane into mud berm and then down and down by chicane after muddy, sloppy chicane. I have to admit that the faster seeds were making a good go at it – Katy Curd impressively quick. Sabrina and Tracy somewhat cautious but very tidy. PomPon Myriam Nicole couldn’t hold on to her smashing quali time and the win went to Emmeline Ragot, followed by Sabrina Jonnier, Myriam Nicole, Floriane Pugin, T-Mo and Manon Carpenter- amazing result for her!

The mens event built and built with ever drying conditions – the track becoming tacky and grippy in places – but hard to stay on line in other parts. Although DQ’d from quali, somewhat confusingly Aaron Gwin lined up for the final- protected top 20 rider? Gracia was a HUGE star in these parts and his one footed table tops over the large lower jumps only caused a rise in his stock – the fans loved it.

Aaron Gwins bike - mud prepped after re-instatement

A bad crash during the race halted proceedings and the helicopter had to airlift the rider off – causing quite a delay – 20 minutes to add to
jangling nerves.

Minnaar really did impress with his race run, always pulling off a good race run is nothing short of incredible after a less than top dollar qualifying run.

Oliver Burton ended 25th after his 13th place quali, perhaps not what he’d hoped for but still way above most others expectations and a great result.

Brendan looked good all weekend and we all hoped for the win, but lost seconds on the lower parts pushed him back to 3rd, behind Minnaar and the on form Gee Atherton – who won by a good margin.

As riders drift back over the valley to Morzine for a few days before Val Di Sole, you have to think about what might have happened with Sam Hill fit and racing – or should we not be talking about a rider who wasn’t even there?

Words by Alan Milway

Jacob Gibbins

Additional photos from Paul @ www.riders-retreat.co.uk

Results

Men

Women