This weekend is the last time the top gravity riders in the world will be able to show what they’re made of as Leogang, Austria hosts the 4X World Championships and final round of the DHI World Cup.
Thomas Dietze
DHI World Cup
© Red Bull Media House
It may come as no surprise that Rachel Atherton has a healthy lead of the Women’s DHI Elite standings, having won most of the World Cups this year and also taking the World Championship win. 160 points behind in second place is Emmeline Ragot; still in with a shot for the overall title, although the chances of actually pulling it off are questionable. Meanwhile in third, Manon Carpenter can also take the overall win, but it would mean that the other two bomb-out completely and Carpenter taking first. While not entirely likely given the way the year has gone thus far, it is still possible.
Sven Martin – Redbull.com
The men’s standings, however, are absolutely tight at the top. Only 17 points separate the top two with Gee Atherton struggling to keep his top place after crashing at Hafjell and Steve Smith taking the win. Gee is particularly looking good for this weekend, having placed second in Leogang for the last three years, but he will no doubt want to break that streak with a win.
Even more impressive in Leogang, though is Greg Minnaar. He won here last year, took third the year before and won in 2010. So this course seems to suit his riding style well, but this doesn’t change the fact that he can’t catch the top two, even with the top qualifying run and the win. His win at the World Champs will have to suffice.
Who do you think will take the top honours? Have your say in our poll below.
4X World Championships
Image credit: Vanja Kodermac
Because of some difficulties, the World Champs for 4X was not held with the DHI Champs in Pietermaritzburg this year but will be held this weekend on 21 September in Leogang, Austria coinciding with the final round of the DHI World Cup.
Image credit: Colin Meagher
Leading the men’s pack this year is Tomas Slavik, ahead of Scott Beaumont and Simon Waldburger. For the women, Katy Curd is looking dominant ahead of Céline Gros and Natalia Piwowarczyk.
Thumbnail image credit: dirt.mpora.com/
I heard from the commentator that Greg is injured. Anyone know what happened?
Edit: They are busy interviewing Greg at the moment. He was injured in the 1st practice run.