Minnaar is also the current World Cup
Series leader, with a narrow 15-point margin over second-placed Gee Atherton
(Commencal). Each has a win apiece, and the pair is well ahead of third placed
Cameron Cole (Maxxis-Rocky Mountain).
Another rider who can't be counted out is Sam Hill (Monster-Energy-Mad
Catz-Specialized), who will be looking to return to competition after missing
the second round in Fort William, Scotland due to a training accident.
The women's competition is neck and neck
between rivals Sabrina Jonnier (Maxxis-Rocky Mountain) and Rachel Atherton
(Commencal). Each has a win in the first two rounds, and Jonnier leads by a
slim 15 points. Floriane Pugin
(Scott 11) is also still in contention, just 75 points behind Jonnier.
The downhill course at the new venue is
drawing much praise, and it will take a complete rider to do well here. It is a mixture of different courses –
steep in places (like Champéry), slippery, root-studded sections, (like the
Schladming course it replaces) and a middle section with grass banks, plus manmade
turns and jumps. There has been
considerable rain over the past week, but organisers have been working hard to
keep it rideable.
Source:
UCI media service
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