Downhill Sorica, the Unior Downhill Cup race, Slovenian and Croatian National Series race and UCI Class 2 race, could be wet for the first time. This time without the elite leaders but that just might make it more interesting for the finals.
It is time for round four out of five in the 2017 Unior Downhill Cup series – the fourth edition of DH Sorica race on Soriška planina, Slovenia. It will be held this weekend, September 2nd and 3rd, by MTB Železniki. For the first time also as a UCI Class 2 race and returning as National Series race for both Slovenia and Croatia.
The two who learned their ropes in these races and finally made it into the World’s elite this year will be missing this time. Monika Hrastnik (Blackthorn) and Jure Žabjek (Unior Tools Team) will be the only Slovenian downhillers at the World Championships in Cairns, Australia. The Worlds are starting next week but because of the long trip and the time difference the team will already be on their way by the time of DH Sorica.
Series standings
Monika and Jure are leading after three events of six runs (points are also awarded in semi-final runs). In absence they both may lose one spot this Sunday, but they will again be strong overall contenders for the final race in Maribor on September 24th. It could get intense.
Žabjek remains undefeated by series regulars this year and was only beaten in Lošinj by Markus Pekoll. He is only threatened for overall by Miran Vauh (Blackthorn) who is 227 points behind while the weekend maximum is at 300. So, if Miri gets some points taken away by Jure’s teammate Žiga Pandur, Jan Cimperman (MTB Trbovlje) or other riders, they could go to Maribor’s Pohorje mountain lined up closely.
In men’s junior race the Sorica local Rudi Pintar (Sinter Brakes Team) will be trying to catch up with the series leader Matic Kokelj (Wolf Racing Team) after a slow start of the season. They are both fast these days – Rudi finished 12th in his first World Cup final in Val di Sole last Sunday while Matic tried his luck in a SloEnduro race at Krvavec and finished second.
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Track & Weather
The 1650m track with a drop of 280 meters, running from top of the chairlift to the ski resort’s parking lot, is not regarded as extremely technically difficult. But as the weather forecast shows it just could be a wet race at Soriška planina for the first time and that would be a very different game. There are plenty of roots in those woods.
Schedule
The official training is on Saturday from 2 to 6pm and on Sunday from 9 to 11am. Semi-final run follows on Sunday, starting at noon, and final run starts at 2.30pm.
Traditionally there will be bands on stage in the finish area on Saturday night: Attic Mist, Cyka Blyat, Helahirn and Kreshesh Nepitash.
Find details on DH Sorica at www.uniordownhillcup.com
Photos by Klemen Humar
