Germany’s Felix Rijhnen and Kiwi Peter Michael (both Powerslide Matter World Team) dominate fourth leg in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
In women´s race Katharina Rumpus (GER) and Katerina Novotná (CZE) break away in perfect conditions.
The Grand Slam of Inline skating saw today its fourth of five legs. Ostrava, the Czech Sports City, witnessed great elite races of 33,5 Kilometres which were accompanied by an extended inline skating programme featuring several kids´ and leisure races as well as free skating on the WIC course with more than 1500 skaters. All participants and spectators too enjoyed the sunshine and warm temperatures.
Early decision in the men's race
After six of eleven laps, or 19 kilometres, Felix Rijhnen (GER) and his teammate Peter Michael from New Zealand, both from Powerslide Matter broke away and the two advanced fast over the rest of the distance and arrived together at the finish with Rijhnen crossing first and Michael second. Felix Rijhnen, who now ranks first in the overall ranking of the WIC, commented "I am extremely happy as I have now finally won a race of the WORLD INLINE CUP for the very first time! This city course is demanding and fast and the surface is very good to race on, we are looking forward to being back here next year".
Women's race decided in last lap
Two women broke away after half of the race was decided through a sprint on the last 100 metres. It were Katharina Rumpus from Germany and Katerina Novotná (CZE), with the latter losing touch during the last lap. The victorious Rumpus stated "Both the weather and the course were perfect today, I had two goals: achieve a victory in Ostrava and to protect my lead in this year's WORLD INLINE CUP, so I have fully accomplished my mission and am very satisfied!".
Results of WIC Ostrava 2016
Men
- Felix Rijhnen (GER, Powerslide Matter World Team) 48:26.45
- Peter Michael (NZL, Powerslide Matter World Team) 48:26.56
- Elton De Souza (FRA, X-Tech International Team) 51:58.46
Women
- Katharina Rumpus (GER, Powerslide Matter World Team) 1:01:36.31
- Katerina Novotná (CZE, Czech National Team) 1:01:45.88
- Nicole Begg (NZL, X-Tech International Team) 1:05:17.95
WIC 2016
After WIC marathons in Incheon, Korea, Rennes and Dijon, France and this weekend in Ostrava, Czech Republic the WORLD INLINE CUP will culminate in the combined finals of the WIC and GERMAN INLINE CUP GIC on Saturday 24th September in Berlin, Germany.
