Les Gets (FRA) – After winning the 1997 Stellenbosch (RSA) World Cup Downhill, Bas de Bever takes home his second UCI World Cup victory, winning the Les Gets 4X last weekend. Michal Prokop completed the success for BE ONE with a 4th place in the 4X finals, after his 4th place in the Kaprun World’s only a week ago. Anneke Beerten was back on the podium with a 4th place in the Women’s 4X. Mickael Pascal got 4th in the Downhill, which give him an overall 4th place in the rankings. Annabella Stropparo maintained an overall top ranking by finishing 11th in Sunday’s women’s Cross Country race.By finishing 3rd in the semi-finals, Mickael Pascal was on his way to another World Cup podium. In an exciting end of the season, Steve Peat (GBR) won the race and the overall rankings. Pascal was in 2nd place after his final run of the World Cup season. Top 2 qualifiers Vouillioz (FRA) and Peat (GBR) beat his time, leaving Pascal in 4th place.
The 4X discipline, replacing the Dual in the 2002 season, brings maximum excitement for the spectators and riders. Bas de Bever, Michal Prokop, Brian Lopes (USA) and Mike King (USA) battled for victory in the 4X final. De Bever won the race, beating former Downhill World Champion Mike King and current World Champion Brian Lopes. With a 4th place, Prokop adds another podium to an impressive first World Cup season in 4X. Anneke Beerten impressed by reaching the women’s 4X finals in which she finished 4th, after Chausson (FRA), Jonnier (FRA) and Millar (AUS).
After her first ever victory in Mt. St. Anne this year, Annabella Stropparo was ranked 3rd overall before the World Cup finals. Event winner Fullana (ESP) passed her, which gave Stropparo a 4th overall place in the rankings.
