The 4-Cross World Cup ended Saturday night in Schladming (Austria) and the World Cup champions reaffirmed their titles in the final round. In spite of many upsets and spills, Anneke Beerten (Suspension Centre), and Jared Graves (« Yetifox Shox ») were the convincing winners.
The Schladming4Cross final was greeted by large crowds and a lot of bang action. Rob Jones photo
Jared Graves won convincingly . Rob Jones photo
Anneke Beerten won easily the final. Rob Jones photo
The women’s race was a bit tense. Three riders were still in contention for Beerten’s overall win, Fionn Griffiths from Norco and American Jill Kintner, unlike the men’s series. Griffiths was injured in a crash at qualifying the day prior and could not race. Kintner, however, crashed in her first round heat, and she did not finish. Beerten won her third consecutive title, without ever racing.
Romana Labounkova, a Czech rider, gave Beerton a tough challenge in Semis. Rob Jones photo
Despite this, the women’s race was still very competitive. Beerten came in second after being challenged by Romana Labounkova, a Czech rider. Beerten won the final against Anita Molcik (Yetifox Shox), British newcomer Katy Curd, and Japan’s Mio Sumasa.
Anita Molcik came in 2nd. Rob Jones photo
Kintner and Griffiths were tied in points and wins at two each, but Griffiths was second overall due to two second places (Kintner had no), and Melissa Buhl finished fourth.
Beerten admitted that this is my third title in succession and that it means the most to me. Everyone was there, everyone was racing, so it was the most difficult challenge to win. Everyone congratulated me after I crashed. But, I had to remind myself to stay focused. Labounkova was a tough opponent in the semifinal. I wanted to win.
Women’s podium: Katy Curd and Mio Suemasa; Anneke Beerten, Anita Molcik and Romana Labounkova. Rob Jones photo
The men’s series Although Graves was the new world champion, he didn’t want to miss the chance to win the season. The Australian was untouchable. He won his heats in each round by a wide margin, sometimes by large margins. In the final, it was Graves (Team Sunn), Romain Saladini, Johannes Fishbach (Ghost ATG), and Joost Wichman (Dutch). Wichman had trouble at the top of course and was forced to withdraw. Saladini, a young Frenchman, managed to finish second behind Graves. Johannes Fischbach took 3rd. Rob Jones photo
Saladinis second place bumped Saladinis up to third in final standings, behind Graves & Wichman. He also overtook Roger Rinderknecht (GT Bicycles), who was absent due to injury. Romain Saladini came 2nd Rob Jones photo
Graves agreed that it has been a great season. Although I felt confident tonight, there were many interesting moves and crashes out there. I wanted to finish the season strong so I knew exactly what I needed to do. It was a great night, with only a few small mistakes.
Jared Graves is the 2009 World Cup 4-Cross champion. Rob Jones photo World Cup Overall podium: Roger Rinderknecht and Joost Wichman. Jared Graves, Romain Saldini, Dan Atherton. Rob Jones photo Joost Wichman4th. Rob Jones photo
