In the women’s racing, 2014 Champion, Helene Fruhwirth, took the win at round 1 ahead of Julia Lackas. Lackas who qualified fastest in Winterberg clearly has the speed to challenge Fruhwirth in 2015. These two went head to head again on Saturday night to see who will lead the series points after round 2. The fastest qualifier Helene Fruhwirth looked to be the favourite heading into the final, but young British rider Natasha Bradley sent the home crowd into a frenzy, taking the win ahead of Fruhwirth and Julia Lackas in third.
In the men’s, the racing was electric. Tomas Slavik, the 2014 Champion unfortunately missed the opening round due to illness. This opened the door for Quentin Derbier to take the win in Germany. But the home crowd were ready to make it another win. Lewis Lacey and Scott Beaumont made it through to the finals to race against Hannes Slavik and Joost Wichman, a former 4X World Champion who's back on track again.
On the first straight drag race, Wichman had the lead, then, Boom Boom (Scott Beaumont) carried speed around the outside in turn one and took the lead. Into the last turn it looked like another home win but Joost Wichman jumped the triple tight and in sight of the finish snatched the win from under Beaumont's feet. It was incredible racing and the crowds have all left Fort William this evening exhausted from what they just saw!
Full race report and film will be released soon.
1st - Natasha Bradley
2nd - Helene Fruhwirth
3rd - Julia Lackas
1st - Joost Wichman
2nd - Scott Beaumont
3rd - Lewis Lacey
The next round of 4X ProTour is in Szczawno Zdroj in Poland on July 18th. Stay tuned!
Photos: © C.Robertson/4X Pro Tour
Source: http://www.4xprotour.com
