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Report: European Fourcross Series Round 3

31 May 2011
Promoted By: Naked Racing
Race HQ: Bryn Bettws, Afan
Words and Photography: Richard Seipp

Europe's best fourcross riders battled the worst conditions possible at round three of the European Fourcross Series at Afan, with Czechs Kamil Tatarkovic, Milan Mysik and Lucas Mechura facing off against Britain's Scott Beaumont in the final.

Gusting wind and driving rain forced a change of schedule on the day, as riders were forced to qualify directly to the quarter finals in a single time trial, before
going into knock out heats.

There was no room for error as the riders all took a much tighter line down the course. The rock garden and lower jumps took their toll on riders determined to make it through to the heats. Early predictions that some riders would take it easy to make sure they were in one piece for next week's World Cup in Fort William were proved wrong.

Qualifying times were sub one minute, with the course riding much faster than for the British Series the previous day. It saw Scott Roberts, Duncan Ferris and Lee White as the top 3 qualifiers.

This early form was turned on its head as the heats got under way and other riders were thrown into the mix. Unable to take the racing line down, riders were forced into the mud, losing time and momentum to get up the tabletops.

Adam Stasek, an early prediction for the win today was one such casualty, as was Blake Carney who finished a disappointing 19th after qualifying in 8th.

Scott Beaumont however, made the final after coming 19th in qualifying due to a crash. Also in the gate with him were the combined Czech forces of hot favourites Kanil Tatarkovic and Lucas Mechura and their team mate, 18 year old Milan Mysik. The lead changed at almost every corner, with all the riders having their share of falls and luck. All four riders were together at the final corner when Lucas Mechura punctured while leading by a hairs width leaving Tatarkovic, Mysik and Beaumont to battle to the line. In summing up his race, eventual winner Tatarkovic said "it is really hard, so much mud. I am dead".

Scott Beaumont echoed his sentiments saying that the final was "really hard, but the racing was great."