Romai Saladini took the win in the first round of the Avalanche cup, the 4x in Lyon.

1/ Saladini
2/Derbier
3/Giordanengo

For those of you who don’t know about the Avalanche series here’s a quick recap:

The series is made up of 5 rounds, Lyon (France), Kielder (uk), Alpe D’huez (Mega), Are (Sweden) and Brixen (Italy)

The Avalanche Cup is designed to be an all round test of bike skills ranging from the 4x of Lyon to the enduro of Kielder and the bonkers of the Megavalanche.

The overall winner will need to be a whippet on a bike, with excellent 4x and downhill skills.

We have just been told that the five race series (see the Hot Dates page for more info) carries a cash pro purse of 35,000 Euros and the winner will bag himself a Saab car! Woot woot, that is some prize.If you want to read the press release from Sunn then read on.

The Avalanche Cup of Lyon in France is usually the first test of the season for all the riders.

Romain SALADINI was on his home ground and after a hard winter preparation he was
willing to show everyone that he will be strong this season. Rémi CHARRIER and Valentin
JUILLARD were also there representing the SUNN Riders Society.

On saturday the 2 rounds were used to qualify the 100 best riders who will be able to race the
Supercup the next day. In the Junior category, all the bets were on Danny HART, the young
english of the team Saab Salomon, but Valentin JUILLARD newly integrated in the Team
SUNN Riders Society wanted to prove everyone his selection was not a lucky move. He was
strong on his bike and win the Junior category one second in front of Danny Hart ! First race
and first victory under the SUNN colors. Good job Valentin !

Sunday morning the 100 best riders are ready to battle for the Supercup title. Giordanengo,
Ruffin, Polc, Cousinié, Klausman… the general level is high but Romain remains confident
and knows he’s ready. The SUNN rider destroys the field with a time of 1’08″74 in front of an
impressive Thibault RUFFIN. Quentin DERBIER complete the podium and Rémi
CHARRIER the SUNN rider takes a good 12th position on a track not really suiting his riding
style.

Sunday afternoon it’s time for 4X race. Romain SALADINI is ultra favorite and he doesn’t
disapoint us. All the winter season trainning shows. His starts are always perfect and he wins
all his races easly. This is a demonstration and Romain takes the 4X title along with the
Supercup DH ! Rémi CHARRIER goes to quarter final and while he was in second position
he’s passed by Filip POLC in the last few turns. A big disapointment for him.

After the race Romain is feeling satisfied “This year my goal was to win both 4X and DH. I’ve
done my job, this double victory 3 weeks before the first round of the World Cup is really
positive. I’m confident for this season, I’ve got great feelings on both physical and technical
aspects. Even

Avalanche trophy 4x Lyon