4X ProTour Round 5: Jablonec, Czech Republic - Preview

On Saturday 26th July, the 4X ProTour rolls into Jablonec, Czech Republic for round 5 of the 2014 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. The track was unlike anything ever seen before. Huge jumps, super wide track, technical sections, a wooded section, rock section, wall ride and road gap 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 it was the venue to set a new standard.

Last years race was incredible. 7000 spectators on the hillside and Michal Marosi’s famous ‘Wall ride pass’ attracted over 10 million views online!

Check out the highlights from 2013:


For 2014, Jablonec is stop 5 of the 7 round 4X ProTour. After races in Szczawno Zdroj, Winterberg, Fort William, and Val Di Sole, we arrive in Jablonec before heading to Leibstadt and Pamporovo for the finals.


Who to Watch
The 2014 season has been spectacular so far. In the women's, there has been a different winner at every round. After taking her first ever win in Val Di Sole, Helene Fruhwirth will be confident heading to Jablonec. Dana Schweika and Tanja Hendrysiak will surely be the challengers. 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 2014. As the newly crowned World Champion, his home crowd will be cheering for him. The challenge will come from another Slavik – Hannes from Austria who is having his best ever year in 2014 and currently sits 2nd in the points. Quentin Derbier is flying in 2014 – taking 2 fastest qualifiers already. If he can keep it together in the racing, he will challenge for the win. British riders Lewis Lacey and Scott Beaumont will be looking for the podium and Swedish rider Felix Beckeman will be looking to bounce back from a crash in Val Di Sole. 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 year now and Tomas Slavik believes that a winner could come from a number of Czech riders..... Michal Mechura, Jakub Riha and many more will be pressuring for the win. It will also be great to see German rider Guido Tschugg racing 4X ProTour again as well.

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/1036224/jbc-4x-pro-tour-live

Here is the official trailer for the race: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKtKTpGYKQg
Riders can enter until Wednesday 23rd July: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/4x-pro-tour-jbc-czech-2014-tickets-12119570963?ref=ecount


For more information on the 4X ProTour, visit:
www.4xprotour.com
www.facebook.com/4xprotour
www.twitter.com/4xprotour