4X action resumed with its debut in Houffalize, Belgium, with the new venue not failing to provide a tough and challenging course for the 20,000 spectators.
In the hotly contested women's final, Jill Kintner was able to edge ahead and put behind her a disappointing result in round one. Finishing third was Anneke Beerten, who holds onto the overall series lead.
"I came on the inside of Jill, thinking that she would go higher through the corner, but she went in a straight line and I had nowhere to go," explained Beerten. "But it was great racing, and I kept my jersey."
For Kintner, it was a sign that she was truly back in the mix of 4-cross, after taking last season off to prepare for the BMX event at the Olympics (where she won the bronze medal). After a disappointing race in South Africa, where she finished fifth, the win in Houffalize was a big confidence booster.
Jared Graves was unbeaten through all the rounds, constantly jumping ahead out of the gate and holding off late attempts to catch him. From the third round, Graves was shadowed by Dan, who finished second to Graves in the quarter finals, semi finals and the medal final. Roger Rinderknecht and Joost Wichman rounded out the final four.
Results
Men
1 Jared Graves (Aus) Yeti Fox Shox Factory Race Team
2 Dan Atherton (GBr) Animal Commencal
3 Roger Rinderknecht (Swi) GT Bicycles
4 Joost Wichman (Ned)
7 Gee Atherton (GBr) Animal Commencal
18 Lewis Lacey (GBr) Chain Reaction Cycles/Intense
Women
1 Jill Kintner (USA)
2 Jana Horakova (Cze)
3 Anneke Beerten (Ned) Suspension Center
4 Romana Labounkova (Cze)
11 Fionn Griffiths
