4X ProTour: Round 4 Preview - JBC Bike Park, Czech Republic

On Saturday 3rd August, the 4X ProTour rolls into Jablonec, Czech Republic for round 4 of the 2013 4X ProTour.

A year ago, Tomas Slavik revealed plans for his idea to create the ultimate 4X track at the new JBC Bikepark in Jablonec. The concept gained momentum and then the building began in winter 2012. The results were unveiled in spring 2013 and it is easy to say that this is now the most eagerly anticipated race that 4X has ever seen.

Huge jumps, super wide track, technical sections, a wooded section, rock section, wall ride and road gap have got all the riders and the worlds media talking about this track. With a chairlift next to the track for uplfits, the local city fully supporting the event and a dream race track we can't wait to get is race started.


Jablonec is stop 4 of the 5 round 4X ProTour. After races in Szczawno Zdroj, Fort William, Val Di Sole, we arrive in Jablonec before heading to the finals in Leogang.

Who to watch:

The 2013 season has been spectacular so far. In the women's, Britain's Katy Curd has been unbeaten so far in the first three rounds. She has dominated this year and will be looking to re-enforce her series points lead in JBC Bikepark. Celine Gros and Lucia Oetjens will head up the challenge against Katy. The big question is, will any of the women hit the pro line doubles. We think they will....


Tomas Slavik heads into his home race with the series points lead. He is definitely the man to beat in 2013. Fellow countryman, Michal Prokop has been on Tomas back wheel all year, but an injury to his elbow recently will rule him out of the race at JBC. Scott Beaumont has been having his best ever season in 2013 and whilst currently in third overall in the points, will surely be looking to challenge Slavik and jump past Prokop in the overall points. Quentin Derbier has also been riding fantastic in 2013 and the tough track in Jablonec will be right up his street! Current European Champion Felix Beckeman will also be in contention. The Swedish rider is Tomas Slavik's teammate so look for them to be team riding in practice with big whips for the crowds. Don't rule out Joost Wichman. He will be back at this race and without a doubt will be in contention.


Be sure to watch out for all the other Czech riders. This track has been open for a while now and Tomas Slavik believes that a winner could come from a number of Czech riders..... Michal Mechura, Jakub Riha, Jakub Hnidak and many more will be pressuring for the win.


Live Coverage:

The single most asked question about the 4X ProTour is: 'can we watch the racing live'. Well the answer this time is 'Yes!'

The race will be shown live on extreme.com: http://uk.extreme.com/mountainbike/1029759/4x-pro-tour-round-4-live

Michal Prokop's injury will unfortunately keep him from competing in JBC, however, it is great news for the fans as Michal will be commentating on the race for extreme.com along side British 4X commentator Andrew Cooper.




Here is the official trailer for the race: http://youtu.be/aazMQLm6Vbo


Riders can enter until Wednesday 1st August: https://4xprotour-jbc-.eventbrite.co.uk/?ref=ecount


For more information on the 4X ProTour, visit:

www.4xprotour.com

www.facebook.com/4xprotour

www.twitter.com/4xprotour