The kick-off of the WORLD INLINE CUP 2017 in Incheon was again a big success with over 2,500 skaters competing. The atmosphere on and around the track showed once again that inline skating is still very popular in Korea. Also the presence and support of the mayor of Incheon and of many other VIPs underlined the strong standing of the WORLD INLINE CUP in Incheon.
After a kids race and 20km senior races, the WORLD INLINE CUP marathon took place under good conditions with top skaters from more than ten countries competing for valuable points in the race for the WORLD INLINE CUP 2017.
Early decision by Ewen Fernadez and Felix Rijhnen
Already after the first five kilometres, Ewen Fernandez (France) and his team partner Felix Rijhnen (Germany), both from Powerslide Matter World Team, broke away followed by Quentin Giraudeau (France) from Rollerblade World Team and Jakob Ulreich (Austria). After ten kilometres, the chasing group fell back to the main field and the two team partners could maintain their lead up to the finish line. Bart Swings, the winner from 2016, took the third place and completed the podium for the Powerslide Matter World Team.
Korea first and second in the Women's race
Katharina Rumpus from Powerslide Watter World Team had a tough competition against strong Korean female skaters. The field stayed together until the finish line, which Katharina Rumpus could cross third.
Calendar 2017
The next stop of the 2017 WORLD INLINE CUP, the world´s premier speed skating marathon, will be Rennes, France, on 21nd May followed by Dijon on the 11th of June and Ostrava on the 17th of June. On the 15th of July, the WIC will make a stop in Harbin, China for the first time. The race for the cup will see its final this year at the 44th BMW Berlin Marathon Inlineskating on 23th September.