Maxxis Cup Final - Martin Whitley  
(7 comments) Monday, 1-September-2003  10:18 PM - by DOM 
September 1, 2003.

Matti Lehikoinen (FIN) scored his 2nd international top 10 result, in as many weeks, following up his 8th place in the European Championships in Graz, Austria last week, with a 9th place this weekend here in Zweisimmen (SUI) at the final round of the International Maxxis Cup of the season. This 9th place came despite a front puncture which he suffered 70% down the
course, after qualifying 3rd earlier in the day.

"I was a bit disappointed to puncture after qualifying so well. I haven't punctured all year so it was a bit of a surprise when I realized that's what had happened. I then just tried to keep the bike upright and stay as fast as possible to the finish line, but I'm sure I would have finished a few spots higher had I not punctured", said Matt shortly after crossing the line.

Summer had come to an abrupt end here in the small village just 20km from the site of 1997 Worlds, Chateau d'Oex, with the riders battling wet weather conditions from Friday through to Sunday, and temperatures as low as 5degrees Celsius. The rain wasn't consistent making qualifying tactics a tricky business, as the course conditions changed from hour to hour, and ruts got deeper.

Global Racing decided to run its other top senior rider off earlier, so Andrew Neethling (RSA) qualified slow and ended up having a top run in the final, sitting in the hot seat for more than 40 minutes before finally being replaced by compatriot Greg Minnaar. "I had a great run", said Andrew while sitting in the hot seat, "and now I just hope the rain buckets down!!" In the end Andrew's time was good enough for a solid 13th place.

Global Racing's other rider here was junior Lindsay Klein (AUS) making his international debut for the team, and riding in the elite category. Lindsay had trouble adjusting to the muddy alpine mountain conditions, which were a world away from what he has raced on all his life. "I've just never raced on stuff like this, and I came off in my qualifier and the final, but I learned a lot from the experience."

Final results:

1. Chris Kovarik (AUS) - 4m 28.274secs
2. Sam Hill (AUS) - 4m 29.783secs
3. David Vazquez (ESP) - 4m 32.940secs
4. George Atherton (GBR) - 4m 34.238secs
5. Mickael Pascal (FRA) - 4m 34.624secs
6. Oscar Saiz (ESP) - 4m 36.492secs
7. Mick Hannah (AUS) - 4m 38.758secs
8. Greg Minnaar (RSA) - 4m 39.935secs
9. Matti Lehikoinen (FIN) - 4m 41.295secs
13. Andrew Neethling (RSA) - 4m 43.315secs
49. Lindsay Klein (AUS) - 5m 31.584secs


The team now travels to the World Championships a few hours away in Lugano. César Rojo (ESP) will not be joining the team after deciding not to continue racing this season following a serious crash in the Spanish National Championships several weeks back, resulted in César being knocked unconscious for several minutes. Later César was diagnosed with a severe
concussion and other minor injuries. The Spanish Cycling Federation also opted not to select him for the World Championships, as their Nationals are a key selection event. César has taken this as a sign to focus on his University studies for now and the whole team wishes him the best for his future endeavors and thanks him for 3 great years of racing with the Global Racing team. Thanks Red Devil!!





All content copyright 2003-2004 The Farkin Crew. All rights reserved. No reproduction allowed without written permission. Farkin is a registered trademark of Rotorburn. ABN: 38 951 849 043