It’s a big weekend for competition trials this weekend, with another spectacular World Cup in Belgium, and one with plenty of media coverage! The Belaey team welcome the World Cup to the centre of Antwerp, at the foot of the Het Steen, the magnificent castle that is the oldest building in the city. Kenny has once again pulled out all the stops and, with the support of Volvo VCM and Red Bull, promises the most spectacular World Cup yet. As in Aalter, there will be an impressive media presence and we will all be able to follow the 26” Super Final live on the Extreme.com and Life.tv websites on Sunday from 12:45 BST.
The event also marks Kenny’s return to the international scene after his injuries in Aalter. “I’m 100% recovered and ready to attack the second half of the season. I really think that this break, my first real break from bikes in ten years or more, was what I needed; I feel more motivated that ever!” Motivation, and more, is what he will need to take the home victory and to loosen the iron grip that Gilles Coustellier has on this year’s Cup after winning everything so far, with no indication of letting up. The challengers for the Elite 26” podium are many. First up, the young Jack Carthy, third in Aalter, who has also just come back from injury and who we can tell you, after bumping into him this weekend, is back on top form! Then come a whole host of decorated Elite riders: Aurélien Fontenoy (third in Val d’Isère), Guillaume Dunand (third in the European Championships), Iciar Van den Bergh (second in Val d’Isère), Hannes Hermann (European Vice-Champion), Nicolas Vuillermot (fourth in Val d’Isère) & John Webster (fifth in Aalter).
In 20”, all eyes will be on the terrible trio, locked in battle since the start of the season: Cup leader Vincent Hermance has a bit of a lead on Spaniards Abel Mustieles (European Champion) and Benito Ros (Spanish and World Champion=. Behind them are a number of top riders who will all be vying for a spot in the Super Final and on the podium: Dutchman Rick Koekoek, Frenchmen Marius Merger and Théau Courtès and Spaniards Carles Diaz and Ion Areitio. Two generations will be clashing in the women’s competition. The new generation, led by Slovakia’s Tatiana Janickova, flying high after her victories in Weilrod-Riedelbach and Val d’Isère, and Germany’s Andrea Wesp, who will be giving her all for another victory and to hang on to her leadership. The ‘old’ generation will be trying to halt the progress of the newcomers. Spaniards Gemma and Mireia Abant Australia’s Janine Jungfels have all made their presence felt this year. There’ll be plenty going on in all categories then, and the weather forecast is looking good as well – all the ingredients for a fantastic weekend are there! Below you can find all the information and links you’ll need to make the most of Antwerp 2012. Tribal Zine will be on hand to cover the event as well. Check out our articles on last year’s Antwerp World cup: here, here and here!
Antwerp 2012 Live
Click here to see the 26” Super Final, live on Extreme.com from 12:45 to 13:45!
The Programme for Antwerp 2012
Click here to go to the event’s official site!
Teaser
The teaser video for the weekend’s action, with highlights from last year’s edition.