May 11, 2007 (Vigo, Spain) – The first day of competition for the launch of the 2007 Downhill World Cup took place this evening in Vigo, Spain. The 4x course was the first to see official action, as the men and women attempted to qualify for the transfer spots.

The course is a Phil Saxena-built monster. It sports an upper section akin to a downhill course, and a complete lower BMX course thrown in for good measure. Some riders are loving it, Chris Kovarik (AUS) MS Intense Racing quipped, “It makes you want to race 4x.” Those from a BMX background are not really falling in love with the rock gardens and rock drop. Defending World Champion Michal Prokop (CZE) Author looks like a fish out of water, although he still managed to post the 3rd fastest time of the day when it was said and done.

Ten women and 61 men took to the course for qualifying. Jill Kintner (USA) GT ran away with the women’s race versus a rather anemic field.

Downhill
The downhill course is wide open and very fast, with puncture-inducing rocks everywhere. Riders spent the better part of the day dialing in lines and scoping out the course. Huge braking bumps are starting to form in the silty, loamy soil. Many Canadians are in attendance including Claire Buchar (Specialized Canada), Tyler Morland (Cove), Charles Alexandre Dube (Cove), Connor McLeod (Cove) and more.

4x Qualifier

Women

1. Jill Kintner (USA) GT
2. Anita Molcik (AUT) Team Hotec RSP
3. Anneke Beerten (NED) Bikepark.ch
4. Mio Seumesa (JPN) Intense

Men

1. Dan Atherton (UK) Animal/Commencal
2. Jared Graves (AUS) Yeti/Fox
3. Michal Prokop (CZE) Author
4. Roger Rinderknecht (SUI) Saang Yong/Giant