Lukas Flueckiger Scores First World Cup XC Podium for Trek World Racing
25 year old Lukas Flueckiger made history for Trek World Racing today by completing the set of World Cup podiums.
Just prior to the start of the 6 lap, 30km race, the heavens opened up and the rain came down in sheets. Lukas opted to run the Bontrager Mud X tyres on his Top Fuel Full Suspension bike, and received praise from many of the top riders for his descending skills throughout the race. US rider Adam Craig said "Luk passed me on the downhill as if he was on a downhill bike!" But it wasn't smooth sailing all the way. On the opening climb, after starting strong and sitting with Ralp Naef, Lukas was pushed off the track by another competitor who was trying to muscle his way past. Lukas went off a steep section and it took him time over a minute to get back onto the course, fighting mid bunch for track position. He finished lap one well outside the top 40. The same rider did a similar thing later in the event, impeding Luk's progress through the field. By the end of Lap 3 though, Luk was back into the top 10 and continued his charge through the field for a well deserved podium. Hi s lap times were comparable to eventual race winner Geoff Kabush (CAN), twice having the 2nd fastest lap of the field, and twice having the 3rd fastest lap.
Lukas said: "I'm a little bit angry about this rough riding from another competitor who should know better, but I'm super happy to get this World Cup podium. I have been so close at nearly every race but had bad luck in many. This week felt perfect, my preparation was excellent, the Top Fuel is amazing. This is my first podium ever with a fully and on this course it was more than great. If I had a clean start with the top guys, well who knows, but now I am much more relaxed to get this result and I'm super happy for the team. The Downhill riders were cheering me on and I know when the conditions are warmer for Liam, and Mathias rejoins us after his Worlds training camp, all three of will be very strong, like South Africa".
Liam said: "I'm quite happy with that. The cold got to me a little. It's been so hot and humid this week in the lead up, and that's what I like to race in, it suits me more, so the cold and heavy rain was not expected or ideal. I did better than I have in similar races in such conditions, so in general not a bad day but obviously I'd like to get a little higher. I'm excited about the World Championship in Canberra and feel I'm getting where I need to be."
Men's Results:
1.Geoff Kabush (CAN) 1hr 52m 39secs
2.Jose Hermida (ESP) @1m 31secs
3.Ralp Naef (SUI) @1m 51secs
4.Florian Vogel (SUI) @2m 10secs
5.Lukas Flueckiger (Trek World Racing)@2m 22secs
21. Liam Killeen (Trek World Racing)@8m 05secs
Men's Overall Standings:
1.Julien Absalon (FRA) 1272 pts
2.Jose Hermida (ESP) 860 pts
3.Burry Stander (RSA) 840 pts
4.Ralph Naef (SUI) 810 pts
5.Wolfram Kurschat (GER) 657 pts
6.Nino Schurter (SUI) 655 pts
7.Geoff Kabush (CAN) 617 pts
8.Lukas Flueckiger (Trek World Racing)564 pts
35. Mathias Flueckiger (Trek World Racing)207 pts
37. Liam Killeen (Trek World Racing)198 pts
Team Ranking (22 Ranked Teams)
1.Multivan Merida Biking Team 469 pts
2.Specialized Factory Racing 327 pts
3.Orbea 279 pts
4.Cannondale Factory Racing 233 pts
5.Scott Swisspower MTB Racing 227 pts
6.Trek World Racing 167 pts
The next World Cup event is Round 7, the second weekend in September at Champery (SUI), however the week prior to that all three XC riders will be at the World Championships in Canberra, Australia, as will all 3 Downhill riders. More news to come.
