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Kozakov Challenge Downhill Race 2014

The last week in July means nothing but the legendary Kozakov Challenge! Preparation of the sixth edition of Kozakov Challenge Downhill Race 2014, taking place from 22 to 26 July, 2014, on top of Kozakov Hill in the Czech Republic, has gone underway. Kozakov Challenge under the baton of Czech Gravity Sports Association (CGSA) and Downhill International Federation (IDF) is the most prestigious race in Czech, gathering annually only the elite riders from around the world. The fastest track in the country will once again force the world's best riders go fast as 100 km/h!

2. 7. 2014 Photos: 19

The race consists of three longboard disciplines:

stand-up ride (max.speed 80-90 km/h)
classic luge so-called "butt-board" (riders go down in a lying position, max.speed 90-100 km/h)
street luge (similar to the classic luge, max.speed 95-105 km/h)

classic stand-up race

luge race

"buttboard" in action

The Track

The race track is approximately 2.5 km long and features two long straight sections where riders gain the maximum speed, whereas the middle passage and technical hairpins will test an overall ability of each rider. As always, overtaking and crashes are not uncommon and therefore the riders and spectacors' safety is secured by safety nests and thousands of straw bales positioned along the track.

Riders

The race regularly visit the world's best riders from around the world and we can see here Patrick Switzer, the 2012 World Champion for example. We will also see the Czech elite here in Kozakov, among whom will be Lenka Salacova, the first Czech 2012 IDF winner, or Michal Slivensky, the only Czech rider to compete the world's fastest downhill race in Brazil last year. In addition, more and more young riders attend Kozakov each year to follow hot on the best riders' heels. It will be once again dramatic and tense competition - exactly how we like it.

Schedule

Tuesday - Wednesday 22-23.7
10AM - 6PM - freeride to test the track

Thursday - Friday 24-25.7
2PM - 6PM - qualification

Saturday 26.7
8AM - 7PM - finals

As usual after the finals the winners will be announced and a party to celebrate not only the fact that everybody have survived will begin! Throughout the event, there will be a large party tent and a campsite provided for riders as well visitors to chill in between the racing. Who have not experienced Kozakov yet, we recommend to do so as you are missing on a great week full of only the best racing and wild parties! It is worth it! Check out the full run from the video below to experience what it's like to go down the Kozakov hill.