Twelve months after breaking the spell on the Trentino’s course in the rainbow race, the Four-Cross World Champion hopes to confirm his superiority in Daolasa di Commezzadura in the last two rounds of the 4X Pro Tour, on September 2-3
.jpg)
Some athletes can become so significant for a sport to become the symbol of an era. What Nino Schurter has arguably been for Cross Country MTB for nearly 15 years, Czech Tomas Slavik has been for the Four Cross discipline.
Born in Brno (Czech Republic), on June 12th, 1987, Slavik is a living legend of the exciting discipline. In recent years, Val di Sole has become the home of the international Four-Cross, hosting many straight editions of the World Championships. In 2022, the Trentino valley will welcome the champions of this discipline during the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Finals, staging the last two rounds of the 4X Pro Tour, on September 2-3.
In 2021 in Val di Sole, Slavik conquered the last World Champion jersey of the Four-Cross history, the third in his career (2010 and 2014), finally ending his spell in Trentino.
“For many years, Val di Sole was a nemesis for me, because I wasn't able to win the World Champs title", admitted Slavik. - "Something went always wrong: crashes, technical problems, mistakes and anything that could possibly be in my way. Last year everything clicked in, and I finally got my rainbow jersey back".
Leader of the 4X Pro Tour classification, the Czech rider loves the Val di Sole track thanks to its challenges and unique characteristics that make the races so intense and exciting.
"The main thing is that the track is really challenging. I can honestly say that once you gain first place in Val di Sole, you are suddenly becoming a target: a target easy to reach because of open corners and long straights".
"Four-Cross is a really special discipline for me and definitely my favorite from those I'm doing, and at the same time it is the most difficult one", continued Slavik.
The Czech rider also competes in the Urban Downhill in South America, where he has become very popular.
"In the Four-Cross, you have to be really strong and explosive out of the gate, technically skilled and very smart with moves on the track against your opponents. After many years of racing, I really know what it takes to win races and there is one thing for sure: there is no substitute for hard work. Four-Cross is a very attractive discipline that gathers thousands and thousands of spectators, thanks to its pathos from the first meter to the last meter".
It is no coincidence that the Val di Sole Four-Cross Night is always attended by huge crowds. Next September, the enthusiasm of the fans will extend over Friday and Saturday.
“There are so many fast guys at the moment, but If I should make the top I would say Adrien Loron, Hannes Slavik and Miki Nevrkla. I'm going to all four-cross races with the goal of winning. Let's see who will be the fastest out there”.
MERCEDES-BENZ UCI MTB WORLD CUP FINALS – PROGRAM
Friday, September 2nd
• 17.30 CET: Women Short Track
• 18.15 CET: Men Short Track
• 20.45 CET: 4X Pro Tour
Saturday, September 3rd
• 09.45 CET: Downhill JR Men
• 10.30 CET: Downhill JR Women
• 12.30 CET: Downhill Elite Women
• 13.30 CET: Downhill Elite Men
• 17.15 CET: Giant Mini World Cup
• 20.45 CET: 4X Pro Tour
Sunday, September 4th
• 08.30 CET: Cross Country U23 Women
• 10.15 CET: Cross Country U23 Men
• 12.20 CET: Cross Country Elite Women
• 14.50 CET: Cross Country Elite Men
