Tom Braithwaite takes the win in Germany while being cheered on by a guy reving a chainsaw, classic.
Another great iXS video from Ralf Schupp.

Full results here.

http://mpora.com/videos/XOojyb6Ft
iXS European Downhill Cup 2010 #3 in Ilmenau/GER >>

Here’s the report from iXS Downhill Cup

Thomas Braithwaite wins iXS European Downhill Cup race in Ilmenau/GER

After 2008, the iXS European Downhill Cup returned to Ilmenau for another race. After having been absent from the downhill racing calendar last year, the university town returned to host the German stop of the series. Meanwhile in its 14th edition, the race fittingly dubbed the „Absolute Abfahrt“ was another highlight in the event’s history.

The course had been changed almost completely for the race that saw no less than 363 participants from 11 countries, with an amazing number of starters coming from New Zealand. And the new course was in an almost perfect condition, although it proved to be hard to ride due to the dry weather, as the loose soil did not offer a lot of grip. As the routing was very generous, choosing the fastest lines was another difficult challenge for the riders. The Absolute Abfahrt’s new course was enthusiastically welcomed by all participants.

The rider who was most comfortable with these conditions all week-end was Thomas Braithwaite (GBR – Hope Technology). After having already won the seeding run, he was the last rider to start in the finals for the first time in his career. And he stood up well to the pressure, winning the race with an advantage of 2.7 seconds and a time of 2min05. Local hero Rick Balbierer (GER – BerGaMont) came in as surprise second with Johannes Sütter (GER – ProPain) in third.

The elite women’s category was won by Miriam Ruchti (SUI – dr-gravity union) who continued her winning streak in Ilmenau as she had already won the last two races held here. Harriet Rücknagel (GER – OnTheEdge) finished in second and Sandra Rübesam (GER – Giant Germany) in third, which meant that the podium was exactly the same as in 2008. Unfortunately, Antje Kramer (GER – Axo Giant) got injured during the practice sessions and now has to forget about her ambitions regarding next week’s German championships to be held in Rittershausen.

The under17 category was won by Riku Länsiö (FIN – HyPy), who edged out Matthew Scott (GBR – Uplift Scotland) and Julian Hibben (GER – Rose/dr-gravity union). Finishing in second allowed Matthew Scott to further extend his overall lead.

The fastest master’s class rider was Hynek Cizinský (CZE – MAD), beating Heinz Hostettler (SUI – BanditBike.ch) for the win. After having posted the fastest time in the seeding run, Wilfred van de Haterd (NED -NOX Cycles) finished in third, which puts him in the overall lead.

2010’s Absolute Abfahrt will be remembered as one of the hottest races ever. Ilmenau was a splendid venue, attracting thousands of spectators, and a few hundred visitors made good use of the perfect weather to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at the evening’s downhill party.

The iXS European Downhill Cup’s next race is going to take place on 14th and 15th August 2010, and it will be the series’ first visit to Czechia in Spicák.