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COMMEZZADURA (VAL DI SOLE – TRENTINO), 8 SEPTEMBER 2016 – The 4X Daolasa course of 2016 UCI Mtb World Champs in Val di Sole has become a regular venue for the international circuit since the first edition held in 2008. The 4-cross competition (the name can be spelled in different ways) takes place on the track set up near the final section of the Black Snake. It is among the most beautiful and demanding courses in the world, this explains why 4X world titles have been awarded here in Val di Sole for the second year in a row.
Four-cross is one of the most spectacular and enthralling disciplines in the off-road cycling scenario. It derives from Dual Slalom, one of the historical Mtb competitions, when two athletes raced together down two parallel courses.
Today’s format reminds of Boarder Cross races in snowboarding, in the same way as dual slalom reminded of parallel slalom in Alpine skiing. Four athletes at a time battle it out on a track featuring parabolic turns and artificial obstacles. Each round lasts about 30 seconds, on 600-metre-long descents. Riders race in groups of 4 and only the first two move into the following round. The event progresses through knockout stages until the final is reached and the winner decided.
“The show and the adrenaline-packed atmosphere characterizing 4X events will be even more intense owing to the unique features of our track - comments Sergio Battistini, O.C. Genreal Director Grandi Eventi Val di Sole -. The sequence of jumps, turns, drop offs, rocky sections provide an enthralling show for the public that can watch the athletes perform in a sort of natural amphitheatre. The track is also the longest one of the Pro Tour 4X, with the famous Pro Line: it’s an alternative route dedicated to the most expert riders because it features long and treacherous double jumps. Moreover, the finals will take place at night and the course will be perfectly floodlit. It is going to be a wonderful show for everybody – says Battistini – it will be broadcast live on RaiSport and other TV channels (at 20.30) and free access terraces will enable 5000 spectators to watch this extraordinary race at night.”
Info
Thursday 8 September: 20.30 Men and Women qualifying runs
Friday 9 September: 20.45 Men and Women finals
Alberto Penasa - Azienda Turismo Val di Sole
Viale Marconi, 7 - 3827 - Malè - (TN)
Tel. +39.0463.900863 - Fax +39.0463.901563
www.valdisole.net - penasa.a@valdisole.net
