September is more or less the last month of this year’s downhill season. The different series are about to be completed, the champions are about to be crowned. This weekend, the European Cup reaches its fifth and last but one venue: Châtel (France).
Châtel is situated in a region that is very popular among mountain bikers. Portes du Soleil has already been a regular venue of the European series since 2008 – a tradition that is to be continued in 2013. The fastest riders will not only be the winners of the weekend, but also get the last chance to defend or even improve their positions in the overall standings before the finals. There are many big names among the participants and every single one of them is eager to win. One of the biggest favorites definitely is Zarja Cernilogar (SLO - Blackthorn GT) who dominates the Elite Women category with a huge lead over her strongest competitor and second place Jana Bártová (CZE - Bikeplac Racing).
The weekend starts with the GoPro Course Check and the Seeding Run on Saturday, whereas the finals are scheduled for Sunday. More than 200 riders from 19 different nations will have to face a 1500-meter course with 300 vertical meters on offer. Hopefully, even the weather will be on its best behavior and provide the riders with perfect riding conditions. And as far as we are concerned, we can’t wait for the race to start!
For everyone who needs to refresh his memory: Feel free to watch the GoPro Course Check 2012 with Brendan Fairclough (GBR - Scott 11).
