iXS European Downhill Cup,Todtnau

By hosting the second race in the European series, Todtnau/GER has returned to the international downhill stage. Huge crowds and 317 top-quality riders from 20 nations set the scene for a perfect race weekend.

The German leg of the iXS European Downhill Cup in Todtnau was run under ideal conditions. The weather was perfect, the 3 km course with a drop of 320 metres was in excellent condition and there was a top class field. As soon as the seeding run got underway on Saturday the potential of what is Germany’s most famous venue was clear for all to see. For the first time since 2005, huge numbers of spectators were able to enjoy a race on Germany’s oldest bike park. It was almost inevitable that Marcus Klausmann (GER – Ghost ATG) would set the best time with 3:44 min. However there were a lot of different opinions doing the rounds as to who would win on Sunday, so we were in for an exciting final.

Local hero Noah Grossmann (GER – Mag41) laid down the first marker with 3:59 min. Because of a technical problem during the seeding run Grossman was the first to go in the Elite category and so was able to enjoy being in the Red Bull Hot Seat for quite some time. Of course there was no way this was going to stay the best time and we soon saw times amongst the top 20 starting to tumble. Joshua Button (AUS – SC-Intense) was the first to go under 3:50 min, which was enough to give him third place in the end. Nick Beer (SUI – Scott 11), Brook MacDonald (NZL – MS Evil) and Marcus Klausmann were considered the most likely victors. Klausmann was last to go and was really fast until one of his tyres came off its rim on one of the final bends. Nick Beer came second and was only beaten by MacDonald, whose time of 3:45 min was good enough to give him victory.

In the Elite Women class, team boss Claudio Caluorie of Scott 11 was able to celebrate a double victory. First place went to Floriane Pugin (FRA – Scott 11) whose winning margin over second-placed Emilie Siegenthaler (SUI – Scott 11), the current Swiss champion, was more than 11 seconds. Miriam Ruchti (SUI – SC Nukeproof) was third.

The fastest of the Masters was Wilfred van de Haterd (NED – Bike Service Eisenach) ahead of Samuel Aklin (SUI – Bikegarage DH Team) and Nino Antic (CRO – Giant), who has been out due to injury for a long time. The U17 category was won in convincing fashion by Gregoire Pazdziorko (BEL – Barracuda Company) with a winning margin of 10 seconds. He finished ahead of Julian Hibben (GER – Rose) and Jan Freyser (GER – Zonenschein Fly).

All in all this was a perfect return to the racing scene for Todtnau and following this successful event the Black Forest track is once again certain to be a regular venue for international races. For a full list of results go to Root & Rain.

© Photos: Thomas Dietze