The UCI season got underway this weekend in Catalonia: like last year, the World Cup opened in Ripoll in the Pyrenees. And history repeated itself in the Catalan mountains with Gilles Coustellier and Dani Comas taking the top spots in Elite and Karin Moor winning the women’s competition. The sections were artificial, mixing rocks, wood and concrete. All weekend you were able to follow the action live on the UCI website and now its time to bring you the results and reports in more detail, with media brought to you by Ripoll’s No.1 media site, ElRipollès.info! Following articles on the women’s final and the Elite 20" final, here’s a look at the action from the Elite 26” final, which saw World Champion Gilles Coustellier (Koxx) take the win once more, ahead of 2009 World Cup winner Kenny Belaey (Monty)...
The Elite 26" final
The Elite 26" competition was exceptionally intense and the suspense was tangible. Current World Champion Gilles Coustellier started the day as favourite following his stellar performances at K-124 Days and in the first round of the Rhône-Alpes Cup. He had previously talked to us about his determination to stamp his authority on the UCI season from the beginning and that is just what he did! It was no mean feat though as Kenny Belaey was just as hungry for victory and was snapping at Gilles’ heels. Vincent Hermance, who finished first in the qualifiers with just two points on his card, also had his eye on the top spot. The qualifiers were full of surprises… Giacomo Coustellier, riding the new Atomz Quark II, finished in fourth place on the same points as Kenny! British rider Andrei Burton, who had already ridden very strongly in the quarter-finals the day before, put in a strong performance and won his place in the final. Marc Caisso, despite suffering from some severe back pains, also qualified for Saturday’s competition. Guillaume Dunand and Aurélien Fontenoy just missed out on a place and Tribal Rider Morgan Vassor was delighted to have made it to the Junior semi-finals, an excellent result considering that it was his first World Cup!
With Supermance, Gilles, Kenny and Giaco all on top form, the 26” final was sure to be exciting. From the start at 19:45, just after the 20” competition, that’s exactly what it was! The Big Boss, Gilles Coustellier, finished the first lap on just five points, ahead of Kenny (8) and Giacomo (15), while Hannes Hermann, who was riding very strongly (16) edged out Vincent Hermance (16) who had fived section three after crossing the tape. Quite a few riders fell foul of the flags and tapes in this competition and you had to watch very carefully where you put your tyres. Marc Caisso battled hard against the back pain he had been suffering the day before but in the end had to hand in his card and retire – get well soon Marc! Kenny put in an exceptional second lap with just three points on his card. He and Gilles finished on equal points and the same number of cleans and had to be separated by the most ones (Gilles 3 and Kenny 1), which meant that Gilles took the win again. Vincent Hermance dropped seven points on his second lap and, as in 2009, took up the third step on the podium. Giaco finished fourth on 29 with Brit rider Ben Slinger in fifth on 35.
Photos:
Here are a few photos taken by Arnau Urgell and Gerard Garcia, from ElRipollès.info. More photos available in this gallery: Copa del Món de bici-trial: final femenina. The Ripoll 2010 final: a merciless duel between Gilles Coustellier and Kenny Belaey!
Gilles Coustellier claims the victory following a very close final…
Kenny’s eyes were on the prize and he only just missed out!
Vincent Hermance took a five in section three which spoiled his first lap, forcing him to try and improve on his second.
Ben Slinger is still the top British rider.
Hannes «Terminator» Hermann showed that he is a force to be reckoned with!
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