Matti Lehikoinen Wins The IXS Downhill In Leogang

Team G Cross Honda rider Matti Lehikoinen (FIN) continued his strong 2007 season today with yet another win, this time at the IXS Downhill Cup held at the Austrian mountain resort of Leogang. Matti won by more than 6 seconds ahead of his team mate Brendan Fairclough (GBR) who had a small crash in the final losing around 3 seconds in a slow section of the course. Greg Minnaar (RSA) did not race, opting to take the time needed to allow his shoulder to recover from last weekend's dislocation. Qualifying took place yesterday with both Matti and Brendan setting the Honda 1-2 standard for the weekend, ahead of seasoned World Cup rider Chris Kovarik (AUS) in third. Both Matti and Brendan rode comfortably in the qualifications and felt they could find another 10 seconds in the 4 minute course. Perfect weather greeted the riders for the final, 28°C with clear blue skies. Brendan was 2nd last to start and Matti was last rider to come down. Both riders ran Maxxis High Rollers with Brendan running a semi slick on the back. Despite his small crash, Brendan came in 3 seconds ahead of the nearest rider. Then it was Matti's turn. He lit the track up with an impressive 4m 02.50secs, taking more than 11 seconds off his qualifier. Matti – "I had a smooth run and made all my lines and pedalled when I had to, without being absolutely buggered at the finish. It's been a really good transition week here in Leogang, and these IXS races are always well run. Me and Dog (Brendan) have had time to do some fun riding, along with some serious training and racing. I'm really looking forward to Schladming next week." Qualifying Results: 1. Matti Lehikoinen 4m 13.78s 2. Brendan Fairclough 4m 15.89s 3. Chris Kovarik 4m 18.54s 4. Claudio Calouri 4m 19.85s 5. Frank Schnyder 4m 22.41s Final Results: 1. Matti Lehikoinen 4m 02.50s 2. Brendan Fairclough 4m 08.63s 3. Nico Vink 4m 11.61s 4. Claudio Caluori 4m 12.35s 5. Nick Beer 4m 12.71s www.23degrees-sports.com