2012 UCI World Cup Round 2 Val Di Sole

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Mountain biking is back again! After the Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships that were held here in June 2008 and just one year after the 2011 World Cup, Val di Sole once again confirms itself as one of the most important mountain biking areas on the international sports scene: on June 2^nd and 3^rd these mountain biking acrobats will let loose in Commezzadura for the prestigious UCI WORLD CUP ROCKY ROAD.NET (DHI) and for the new International Circuit 4X, 4XPROTOUR .

Downhill (DH): a breathtaking timed downhill race on slopes with ramps for the spectacular leaps and jumps of these bikers. Extreme courage, skills, technologically advanced equipment and a pinch of madness is the combination needed for this adrenaline filled sport. The Val di Sole track, known as the “snake pit” has been excellently tested over the past ten years and the following are some of the most important competitions held here: 2 Italian Championships, 2 European Elite Championships and 3 European Master Championships, in addition to other prestigious international events including the 2008 World Championships and the 2010 and 2011 World Cup.

Four Cross (4X): four riders compete against each other at the same time on a short but demanding track that is filled with jumps and bumps giving spectators the chance to watch an exhilarating race with modern day gladiators that will take place in the evening. The Val di Sole 4X track, called the “camel’s humps”, has a length of about450 m with 7 parabolic turns and an elevation difference of70 meters. The entire track is visible from the stands in the finish area and from other areas reserved for spectators.

These two races in Val di Sole are the only World Cup races that will take place in Italy this year. This is the top international circuit for downhill mountain biking (seven races held in the following countries: South Africa, Scotland, Canada, USA, France and Norway), in addition to the new 4X Pro Tour, the most important international Four Cross competition with five races held in the following countries:Belgium,Poland,Scotland andGermany.

Teaser of Val di Sole Downhill World Cup 2012 which will be held on 3rd - 4th June in Commezzadura - Val di Sole - Italy

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2012 WC Round 2 Qualifying

Aaron Gwin blitzed qualifying ahead of the second round of the UCI MTB DH World Cup in Italy. On a very rough Val di Sole course on Saturday, Aaron Gwin and Emmeline Ragot put in some incredibly fast times to put their mark on the competition.

With over 220 men vying for just 80 spots in Sunday’s race - the second UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup event of the season – the competition was fierce. Gwin finished nearly eight seconds faster than second-placed Greg Minnaar, with Marc Beaumont third and Gee Atherton fourth.

American junior Richie Rude rode brilliantly to finish qualifying in 11th, while Brit Berny Kerr was 12th after another great ride. Steve Smith had to sit out qualifying after dislocating a finger in Saturday morning's practice but is hoping to compete in Sunday’s race.

In the battle for places in the women’s race, Emmeline Ragot stormed the Val di Sole qualifying session, finishing six seconds faster than second-placed Rachel Atherton.

Manon Carpenter hurt her shoulder so left the start hut then pulled over to rest up ahead of Sunday, while Tahnee Seagrave suffered a crash and did not finish.

Given how much the course has deteriorated over the past few days, Val di Sole promises to be one of the most punishing and technical rounds of the year.

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Day one of Practice at Val Di Sole. Follow the British contingent at Val Di Sole!

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2012 Val Di Sole WC Round 2 Men's Qualifying Results

2012 Val Di Sole WC Round 2 Women's Qualifying Results

2012 Val Di Sole WC Round 2 Men's Final Results

2012 Val Di Sole WC Round 2 Women's Final Results