Fraser Britton was on the scene and gives you the wrap-up on the Maribor WC Downhill
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The legendary Maribor, Slovenia downhill track saw scorching sun, torrential rains, hail and then more sun as the world's best downhillers tried to figure out what tires to run come race day. By the time finals kicked off on Sunday, some riders were on dry tires, some were on cut spikes and some were on full spikes.
At the end of the day determination had final say, as an injured Fabien Barel (FRA - Subaru Mondraker) took home the victory in a knee brace while barely being able to bend over to tie his own shoes. "I tried to put everything together, I was pretty consistent on the upper part. Being able to come back after struggling so much..I spent 7 weeks doing therapy and being able to this today in front of all these guys that ride so good, it's just a dream."
Barel had a bottom section that was untouchable as rider after rider went up on him in the upper section and then fell behind down at the bottom in the high speed woods. Sam Hill (AUS - Monster Energy Specialized) finished second once again and Greg Minnaar (RSA - Santa Cruz Syndicate) finished 3rd.
For the ladies, it was Sabrina Jonnier (FRA - Maxxis) taking home her 4th victory in a row in convincing fashion. "I went too slow, I am pretty pissed off with myself. It wasn't a good run. I was slow out of every corner. I made a mistake in the rocks, and just tried to make up for it at the bottom and go faster." Fellow French riders Emmeline Ragot (Suspension Center) and Floriane Pugin (Playbiker) finished second and third.