World Cup Success for SCOTT DH Factory
19 Oktober 2020
Maribor, Slovenia. After months of uncertainty due to constantly revised schedules, the international DH race circuit was back on track in Maribor, Slovenia, for stops one and two of the 2020 World Cup. Two different tracks on one mountain led to some intense, and very exciting racing. For the SCOTT DH Factory, it was time to shine after a "season" plagued by injuries, a couple of COVID-19 positive tests, and a lot of patience.
Maribor Race #1 - Cabirou Makes it Four World Cup Wins in a Row!
After what was a more than chaotic World Championships in Leogang all eyes turned to Maribor for World cup #1 of the year. While she was on speed at the World Champs, two crashes in the final would take Marine's hopes for a medal away. It wouldn't be the same story in Maribor.
Once again, the skies opened up for the racers, leading to incredibly tricky qualifying conditions on Thursday. As a protected rider. Marine took the conservative approach and decided to keep it all ready for the race on Friday - what a smart move. In her Race run on Friday, Marine showed the world what she is capable of doing when she's is in race mode, winning by a margin of over 6 seconds- following on from her success last season making it 4 Elite World Cup wins in a row.
Unfortunately, a flat tire in qualifying for Flo Payet meant no racing on Friday, while the team's junior Louis Gaillet would finish 8th.
"I had a really good week for the World Cup opening! I didn't have any expectations before the weekend, I just wanted to ride hard and have fun on my bike. After a difficult period, this was the goal. The first race was a dream, and in race two I made one big mistake that cost me the win. That being said, I leave Maribor with the overall World Cup lead - so good!"
Marine Cabirou - SCOTT DH Factory
Maribor Race #2 - Marine Cabirou Regains Overall World Cup Lead
After a first win on Friday, it was back to qualifying for race #2 the very next day. Again, Marine would take a safe approach qualifying mid-pack, while Flo Payet was back up to speed with a solid 21st.
The racing was a bit more tight on Sunday! With a slightly different track, the conditions had changed and the course was still as tricky as ever. Marine was in the hot seat after her run, only to be displaced by just under 2 seconds by the German Champion Nina Hoffmann. This meant that Marine would regain the World Cup Overall points lead heading into the final two rounds of the year in Lousa, Portugal. Flo Payet would finish in 26th, a solid outing after a tricky season start.
Imagery: Sven Martin, Keno Derleyn
Check out the 2021 Tuned Collection HERE.
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