July 4, 2004 (Calgary, Alta.) – The fifth World Cup mountain bike event of the 4-Cross series got underway with a bang at Thursday night’s fireworks display at Canada Olympic Park (COP). There have been more bangs every day since, courtesy of Nature’s fireworks – thunderstorms. A severe storm yesterday let loose in the middle of the men’s cross-country race, pelting riders with icy hail.

The first event of the World Cup Triple event was Friday night’s four-cross. The track, complete with high berms and crowd-pleasing jumps, swept down the face of COP. In the women’s race, Sabrina Jonnier (FRA, Intense) continued her speedy streak with a win, followed by Jill Kinter (USA) in second, Tara Llanes (USA, Giant) third and Celine Gros (FRA, Morzine Avoriaz) fourth. The only Canadian woman competing in the four-cross was Claire Buchar, who finished in 11th place.

Michal Prokop (CZE) came out on top in the men’s four-cross final. Roger Rinderknecht (SUI) put in an impressive run, beating out Eric Carter (USA, Mongoose/Hyundai) and Wade Bootes (AUS, Trek/VW) for second. Carter and Bootes were third and fourth, respectively. Top Canadian finisher was Dustin Adams (Giant) in 23rd.

4X, July 2, 2004

Men
1. Michal Prokop (CZE)
2. Roger Rinderknecht (SUI)
3. Eric Carter (USA, Mongoose/Hyundai)
4. Wade Bootes (AUS, Trek/VW)
Canadians
23. Dustin Adams (Giant)
25. Tyson McCrea (CAN)
32. Kyle Guay (Norco Factory Team)
33. Adam Muys (CAN)
38. Jeff Ingram (CAN)
39. Nathaniel Ball (CAN)
40. Matt Sturgeon (CAN)

Women
1. Sabrina Jonnier (FRA, Intense)
2. Jill Kinter (USA)
3. Tara Llanes (USA, Giant)
4. Celine Gros (FRA, Morzine Avoriaz)
Canadians
11. Claire Buchar (CAN)