|
|
 Final rankings by zone
As expected, the big changes for teams hoping to qualify for the Raid in Europe this September occurred in Zone 2: Western Europe, and in Zone 6: North America. |
|
 Final results and rankings
In spite of many European teams receiving time penalties in Section B, Europe dominated at Bend, taking six of the top seven places. Only Nike Balance Bar managed to break the European rule. |
|
 Chatting with those on the podium
I had a chance to chat at the finish line with the teams on the podium, LES ARCS QUECHUA (FRA), NIKE BALANCE BAR (USA) and SAAB SALOMON (GBR). |
|
 LES ARCS QUECHUA wins World Cup Stage 3
LES ARCS QUECHUA from France held the lead that they have maintained throughout the race, while NIKE BALANCE BAR (USA) just managed to squeak past SAAB SALOMON (GBR) for second. |
|
 Nike Balance Bar comes back!
Last year’s World Champs, NIKE BALANCE BAR (USA) are catching up to leaders LES ARCS QUECHUA (FRA) and SAAB SALOMON (GBR). |
|
 Europe leads first two sections
LES ARCS QUECHUA (FRA) took the lead right from the start line, and powered into the first transition point nearly two minutes ahead of Great Britain’s SAAB SALOMON. |
|
 Europeans in front from the start
The pace was fast, as 52 teams gathered together at 6:00 am Mt Bachelor Ski Resort and started the 825 m climb that will take them to the peak of Mt Bachelor. |
|
 52 teams in final line-up
Race director Sylvain Thuault says that this course is faster and easier than last year’s, and that he expects that most teams will be able to complete all sections. |
|
 Montrail-Revo must requalify as North American
“They have changed the rules” explains MONTRAIL-REVO Captain Rebecca Rusch. “We have to requalify as American. Our points from Western Australia don’t count”. |
|
 Saab Salomon ready to go!
I had a chance to sit down with Great Britain’s only contender in this race, team SAAB SALOMON. They are currently ranked 6th in their zone, for which there are ten places. |
|
 The teams - and what they want
Some are here simply to win this race. Some are here to consolidate qualifying positions that they already hold. And some are here for their one and only chance to qualify. |
|
 Countdown to Round 3 in Bend
The countdown is on, as 56 teams start working their way towards Bend, Oregon, for the North American qualifying event for the Raid World Championships. |
|
  1 - 12 (13) |
|
