The fourth leg of the iXS European Downhill Cup took place in Špičák, Czech Republic for the second time. 320 competitors from 24 countries tackled an almost entirely new course and again enjoyed a perfect (wet) racing weekend.
Markus Pekoll
It quickly becomes obvious to the observer that downhill sport in the eastern part of Europe is run professionally and is very popular. The organization is perfect; cooperation with the local association takes place without a hitch, and the topographical characteristics provide everything a course designer needs. So it’s no surprise that the race in the Bohemian Forest has quickly became an established part of the iXS European Series.
All active riders are, of course, primarily interested in the course. And the bike park has no need whatsoever to be ashamed of it. The 1.8 km long track with an altitude difference of 320 meters was revamped for the 2011 event with the second half completely redesigned. It can be characterized as natural and demanding; fun but still challenging. The subsoil allows lots of drifts; rocks, roots and perfectly constructed jumps are the order of the day. Weather conditions were consistent for the time trials – consistently autumn-like. Saturday saw torrential rain, which didn’t make things easier, but then the event wasn’t about indoor cycle ball. The weather stayed dry on Sunday allowing the riders to at least change over to dry tires.
During the seeding run Markus Pekoll (AUT - MS Evil) and Miriam Ruchti (SUI - SC-Nukeproof) were able to demonstrate that they could also handle these kind of conditions. Pekoll also managed to snatch victory in the final with the shortest of leads – just 2 tenths of a second. He needed 3:28 min to complete the course and take the win which also meant that he was able to move into second place in the overall rankings. Joshua Button (AUS - SC-Intense) came in second and thus leads the overall rankings. Matej Charvat (CZE - Banshee Bikes) was able to immortalize himself by finishing third in his home country race.
Miriam Ruchti
During the women’s final Ruchti again emphasized her talent, setting a best time more than 17 seconds ahead of the field in the Elite Women category. This result also saw her taking the lead in the overall rankings. Second place went to Carina Cappellari (SUI - iXS Sports Division/Yeti), followed by Diana Margraff (ECU - Zenith).
Series leader Wilfred van de Haterd (NED - Bike Service Eisenach) was visibly satisfied with his win in the Masters category. Although not happy with the weather he was very taken with the course. Marcel Waldmann (SUI - Fatwork) finished second, ahead of Petr Joch (CZE - F.A.S.T. Downhill Team).
In the U17 category the riders again took things to the max. Ferdinand Brunold (GER - SC Korb) won the race, followed by Jan Berkenkopf (GER - Young Guns Racing). Third place on the podium went to Jan Vacek (CZE - RockMachine).
Miriam Ruchti
Stefan Beck
Markus Pekoll
Benny Strasser
Markus Pekoll
Markus Pekoll
Following airing of the first two reports on the iXS European Downhill Cup by Servus TV, a date has already been set for the report on this leg. Red Bull’s in-house TV station will be broadcasting its third report, covering the races in Špičák and Pila, on 23 September. The series continues in two weeks’ time with the fifth, last but one race in Pila, Italy. Visit
www.ixsdownhillcup.com for more info, detailed results are
here© Photos: Thomas Dietze
that weather seems freakin challenging, congrats to all who made it to the bottom of the course BTW, Czech Republic is a great place to ride
I miss NORBA...
Yes we could do with more Pro appearance as with the Euro events but let's be honest, the Euro's don't get financially strangled by the Government anywhere near as much as us so it's quite easy for them to place a "better" event hence the British turnouts.