BUDAPEST, Hungary (23 degrees) -- In the early hours of Sunday morning, while the commuters of Budapest were sound asleep, some of the world's best mountain bikers took to the subway station in the inaugural Red Bull Metro Ride. World Cup top runners included Gee and Dan Atherton, Nathan Rennie, Chris Kovarik, David Vazquez, Marc Beaumont, Filip Polc and Sam Blenkinsop.
The two rider knock out format took the competitors on a wild 40 second underground ride that included some of the longest escalators in Europe, slippery railway platforms and even, in true Red Bull style, through a staionary Metro train carriage. After qualifying, the riders went head-to-head in a Dual Slalom format.
In qualifying Sam's team mate, Filip Polc took the top spot with a 41.197, followed by the 2 Athertons and then Sam in 4th with 42.444secs.
In his first heat Sam met local rider Peter Frajczer before meeting Irish Champ Ben Reid. Passing these two rounds he was up against Dual Slalom and 4X powerhouse Michal Marosi (CZE). Despite the difference in strength and size, Sam had the speed on the course to take the win. This took him through to the semi final to meet his faster team mate. A bit of bad luck for Filip meant that Sam went into the final to face Team Animal/Commencal's Gee Atherton. In the end Gee was too good, keeping it clean and getting faster each run to take the overall win, with Sam taking 2nd and a handy check for 1500 Euros.
"That was pretty intense and a lot of fun. It wasn't so cool to meet Filip in the semi's, it would have been better to meet in the final, but I'm happy to get 2nd. The key was just trying to keep it smooth, and hit the escalators at top speed. Wicked fun." -said Sam shortly before flying home to New Zealand for a welcome break from international racing. The past few weeks have seen excellent results including a 9th place at the World Championships in his first year in the elite ranks.
Video clips from Hungarian TV can be watched here:
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Qualifying Results:
1. Filip Polc (SVK) - 41.197secs
2. Gee Atherton (GBR) - 42.142secs
3. Dan Atherton (GBR) - 42.317secs
4. Sam Blenkinsop (NZL) - 42.444secs
5. Michal Marosi (CZE) - 42.689secs
6. Kamil Tatarkovic (CZE) - 42.840secs
7. Gabor Deli (HUN) - 43.506secs
8. Julien Camellini (FRA) - 43.530secs
9. Marc Beaumont (GBR) - 43.799secs
10. David Vazquez (ESP) - 43.843secs
Final Results:
1. Gee Atherton (GBR)
2. Sam Blenkinsop (NZL)
3. Dan Atherton (GBR)
4. Filip Polc (SVK)
5. Michal Marosi (CZE)
6. Kamil Tatarkovic (CZE)
7. Gabor Deli (HUN)
8. Julien Camellini (FRA)
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