The fifth round of the 2022 4X ProTour took place at MSV Bikepark in Germany yesterday. With big crowds watching all weekend, this race is certainly here to stay on the ProTour. The track was huge. Big jumps, high speed and a real challenge for all the riders.
Scott arrived at the track late Thursday evening and was excited to see the new track on Friday for the first official practice session. A track walk revealed just how technical the track was and just how dry the track was! 9 weeks without rain in Eisenhuttenstadt!
On Friday, riders had 2 hours to get to grips with this new challenge. It took Scott most of the session to really dial in the track. Wooded sections, rocks and a wall ride all took some working out. It was huge and a lot to work on to get up to speed. By the end of the session though, Scott was certainly looking quick and we were focused on a great result on Saturday.
Qualifying and the race took place on Saturday, so riders had to be ready for a full day of action. Seeded number 2 into this event, Scott would qualify as the penultimate rider. When qualifying started, the track was perfect – super dry and dusty. It was going to be a fast day. Scott got into the gate, focused and ready to go. Scott put together a great run and was able to hit all his marks. He crossed the line with the 3rd fastest time.
Racing went well for Scott winning his early heats and moving through to the quarter finals. In the quarter final, Scott made an incredible start and managed to get across to lead into turn 1 and then go on to win the race. It was a really impressive ride.
In the semi final Scott now found himself on gate 2. However, he was clearly in the mood. He made a great start and battled down the first straight. After a bump and a bang Scott had to settle into 2nd position. He held his lines well and was able to pull a good lead not the rider in 3rd to secure his spot in the final.
In the final, Scott had gate 3. The gate dropped and Scott was on point. Taking the holeshot, Scott was leading into turn 1 but fastest qualifier Tomas Slavik was holding the inside. With the track curving to the right, Slavik was able to move ahead. Then in turn 2 another rider followed Slavik through pushing Scott to 3rd. He regrouped and attacked hard. Into the wall ride Scott was centimetres away from the pass but then got cut off again. He defended into the final turn and was able to seal 3rd for the event.
In the finish area Scott said:
“That has been a super tough day on a physical track. I am really happy with 3rd for a couple of reasons. 1 it’s my best result of the year and 2 I was able to beat my closest rivals which moves me back into 2nd overall with 2 rounds to go. It has been a great day of work. Thank you to all my sponsors for their support. We are having an incredible year. Time to finish it with bang.”
The result of 3rd place as mentioned by Scott now moves him into 2nd overall again. There are 2 rounds left and he is certainly fighting for the overall title.
The next round is in Val Di Sole, Italy where we will race the final 2 rounds. The biggest race of the year. Let’s finish this season strong.
Thank you to all our team partners for your support in 2022.
