Lopes lands 5th at World Champs
This World Championship marked the 16th annual pilgrimage for Lopes, who has represented the USA consecutively since 1993, making him the longest standing US ambassador among the World's fastest racers. The race courses were set in the mountain town of Val Di Sole, a picturesque backdrop in Northern Italy. With over 1000 countries being represented, the World Championships invariably holds a distinct vibe. Having come off a fresh MaxiAvalanche win, Lopes was geared up to defend his title. However, the winning-luck did not proceed him in his qualifying run, as he qualified 8th overall. Lopes accounted the less than stellar qualifying result to his conservative approach. Nonetheless, the All-American competitor set forth on Saturday evening in front of live television to take on the challenge and challengers to his best ability. Lopes flew through his qualifying heats with ease, but ran into some trouble in the semi-final round. When the Roger Rinderknecht pushed him out in the second turn, followed by a inane move by Ross Milan that sealed Lopes' fait out of the finals. Lopes' defeat created an opportunity for Australia's Jared Graves, who held the fast qualifying run and appeared dead set on wearing the rainbow jersey. But as luck ran Lopes out of the finals at the second turn, so it did for Olympic hopeful Graves. Pinned between Mikael Deldyke and Rinderknecht, the three crashed out at the second turn. As the last guy out of the gate, Spain's Rafael Alvarez, raced past them, taking the win. A visibly disappointed Graves crossed the finish line last, after a second crash put him dead last. Sometimes in racing "luck" is all that matters... Felicidades Rafa and USA's Melissa Buhl! And good luck in the Olympics Graves-y! Men's Results 1. Rafa ALVAREZ (SP) 2. Roger RINDERKNECHT (SWI) 3. Mickael DELDYKE (FR) 4. Jaraed GRAVES (AUS) 5. Brian LOPES (USA) Check out the video from Lopes' Small Final on www.brianlopes.com/archives/000272.htmlLatest news
THE MERIDA EX 2026 - pre-registration is now open2026 Scottish Downhill Association Series Dates and Venues Announced
New Spot: Abergele Pump Track
New Spot: Cadishead Pump Track
Watch: Down For Life - 30 Years of Bicycles & Dirt
Popular news
Review: Shimano Saint PD-MX80 PedalsRockshox Announce 2014 Sid, Revelation, XLoc and updates to the Monarch
Review: Maxxis Ikon 26x2.35 Tyres