Probably one of the biggest MTB events in Czech Republic this year, the JBC Bikepark welcomed literally thousands of fans. The atmosphere and expectation for the race was bubbling with the locals since Thursday, the practice day and it was great to see the whole city getting behind the event.
Everybody was riding superstrong and from the fastest time of the lap that was set by Tomas Slavik, you could tell this man was going to take the win. Needles to say, Tomas helped to build the track so he knows every corner there. In the second semifinal, the crowd probably saw one of the most violent crashes ever seen in 4X racing.Hannes Slavik pushing hard overshot the second double and he 'rag dolled' into the woods. It was a horrific crash. Joost Wichman, who was in 4th hit the brakes and stopped to help. Medics were quick to the scene and Slavik was soon airlifted to hospital. Amazingly, Hannes suffered a serious concusion but no broken bones. All the best to Hannes!
With Scott Beaumont, Jakub Riha, Simon Waldburger, Lewis Lacey and Michael Mechura eliminated in the quarter finals, it was a piece of cake for Tomas Slavik. He flew the course like nobody business extending his lead every second. Across the finish it was Slavik ahead of Beckeman, Strouha and Derbier. After huge podium celebrations, the masters of dirt and Jagermeister guys took control and the after party began. With Fuel Girls blowing fire, dj's, bands and thousands of happy Czech fans, this race was the perfect showcase for 4X ProTour, the sport of 4X and all the riders.
The next round is around the corner - already this weekend - 2nd August, at Leibstadt, Switzerland. A silver round of the 4X ProTour, it sounds like most of the World's top riders will be there as the season starts to get to the sharp end, with only one round remaining after Leibstadt, riders will fight for every point they can get.
Check out the JBC Bikipark 4X track below.
Photos: © 4X Pro Tour, copyright applied.
Source: http://www.4xprotour.com
