Race Report – 4X ProTour Round 2: Dobrany, Czech Republic

The third round of the 2023 4X ProTour took place at Dobrany Bikepark in Czech Republic yesterday. With big crowds watching all weekend, this race is certainly here to stay on the ProTour. The track was huge. Big jumps, high speed and a real challenge for all the riders.

Scott arrived at the track on Thursday and was excited to ride the track on Friday for the first official practice session.

On Friday, riders had 3 hours to get to grips with this crazy track. It took Scott most of the session to really dial in the track. It was huge and a lot to work on to get up to speed and dial the tyre choice in. By the end of the session though, Scott was certainly looking quick and we were focused on a great result on Saturday.

Qualifying and the race took place on Saturday, so riders had to be ready for a full day of action. Seeded number 3 into this event, so he would go third from the end. Scott made a great start and put together a great run. He crossed the line in 3rd position. He was happy and felt good going into racing as the team immediately leapt into action getting the race bike prepared for the racing.

Racing went well for Scott winning his early heats and moving through to the semi finals. Scott now found himself on gate 2 and a good start would be essential. He was clearly in the mood. He made a great start and battled down the first straight. After a bump and a bang Scott settled into 2nd. He was under some pressure in the lower corners but he rode them perfect and took the qualifying spot into the final.

In the final, Scott had gate 2. The gate dropped and Scott got pinched but he made a great move in turn 1 and dived inside. A bump later and he was in 3rd. He used every trick he has to get into 2nd, hounding him all the way but he could not make it past. Across the line he finished 3rd. A solid day and another podium result which has moved him into 3rd overall in the World Series.

In the finish area Scott said: 

“I can’t believe it. I am so annoyed with myself. I had the speed in the final and I messed up. It’s on me. I just couldn’t find a way past and I am absolutely gutted. There’s nothing else to say. This one got away and it stings pretty bad.”

The result, although disappointing for Scott, was a fantastic race. Just imagine being so consistently fast that you are that annoyed finishing 3rd in a World Championship event……. This result now moves him up to 3rd overall in the 2023 4X ProTour overall rankings. His consistency with podiums at every race so far is paying off. There are 2 rounds left and he is certainly fighting for the overall title.

The next round is at the end of June at the teams favourite track Val Di Sole in Italy. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Thank you to all our team partners for your support in 2023.

All images by Charles Robertson