This is how the final played out after Graves got passed in the second last turn. He led the whole final and won every heat but Slavik, who had a rough start, got inside of him and it was all over. -Sven Martin
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This is where Tomas Slavik made his move. From way back in third he railed the berm perfectly and motored his way down the straight taking Graves inside on the turn, almost like a World's reenactment. -Sven Martin
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Anneke Beerten secured her 4th overall title in the best possible way tonight - with a win! Congrats from all us here at Vital MTB. Photo by Gary Perkin
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Story of the day - bikes being prepped, riders resting and going over lines and splits with coaches - it's the calm before the storm! Photo by Gary Perkin
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Bitter sweet end to the season for Jared Graves. He still took home the World Cup overall which is what the series is all about. A great 2011 for Graves. -Sven Martin
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Saturday at a triple is a short day for the downhillers. Staying close to the air conditioner is not a bad idea. It's either that or the glacial river that runs in front of the pits. Atherton Racing chilling, while Duncan is probably in an ice bath in the creek. -Sven Martin
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Doug Hatfield explains the triple delight bash guard he whipped up in Santa Cruz for Josh Bryceland. It works a treat and has the scars to prove it. Photo by Gary Perkin
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The Val di Sole course is littered with roots, holes and rocks all hidden in the soft forest light ready to catch the unaware out tomorrow! It's gonna be a cracker! Photo by Gary Perkin
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SRAM are so accommodating with job requests. Here Joe Staub of Giant Factory Team fills in one for Danny Hart's race machine to go 2 seconds quicker! Simple enough, right? Photo by Gary Perkin
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Colin Meagher of Pinkbike shows the correct technique for consuming grappa at the end of 4X. Sven, inexperienced in the ways of the local tipple, records it for posterity. Photo by Gary Perkin
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Victor Lucas turns on his Irish charm in the SRAM pits. "You see that picture there, I took that. And that one, and that one!" Photo by Gary Perkin
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It was an emotional send off to the old faithful SRAM truck. So many memories, so many legends! History has been made in, about and with this truck. Farewell! Photo by Gary Perkin
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Short on stature big on ambition, Flo Pugin sizes up the last ski slope drop during today's practice sessions. Photo by Gary Perkin
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Some rested today, some walked the track, others rode. I shot 4 XC races and 4X finals. Hence the grab shots through the XC course to catch <a href="http://www.twitter.com/brendog_1" target="_blank"><b><font color="#ff0000">@Brendog_1</font></b></a> in the final turns. Photo by Gary Perkin
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I'm not sure if Monk and Gwin are sharing line options, high five techniques or SoCal gang signs. Whatever it is this combination is working! Photo by Gary Perkin
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Just 'cos our VitalMTB slideshows are in flash, it doesn't mean you can't watch great racing on an iPad. You just have to be trackside to appreciate it! Photo by Gary Perkin
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Rachel took 4 runs in today's short practice while others choose to take it easy. She obviously is taking tomorrow seriously and it will be interesting to see how it all pans out. -Sven Martin
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Another birthday yesterday. This time Dirt-Norco mechanic and good time guy Ali Beckett. Do like the sign says people and it will make the world a better place! Photo by Gary Perkin
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Anneke was the only lady to jump the pro line. She didn't need to as she was already leading but that's how you do it when you are the 2011 World Cup Series Champion. -Sven Martin
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Fabien Barel's legacy will continue with talent like Spagnola and Patrick Thome pictured here. Text book style with all his riders, every time. -Sven Martin
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Matti Lehikoinen is definitely back on track again. Looking like the Matti of a few years ago... things are clicking again. Pinned and confident. -Sven Martin
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You have to ride like an animal on this track and Gee Atherton has no problem letting it all hang out. He will be wanting to move up a couple of spots tomorrow from his qualifying result. -Sven Martin
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Brendan Fairclough cruised in qualifiers but is loving the track. It's a scary thing not being a protected rider on a track like this, when anything and everything can go wrong in a run. If he can hang on, he will be aiming for the podium. -Sven Martin
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HAHA, here's what Sven put for a caption - "insert italian for me spomer pls google it or something" - Way funnier than finding something legit, LOL. -spomer
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Graves in an early heat whipping it out for the crowd. See you at the Whip Off Worlds at Crankwork next year. -Sven Martin
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Bulldog and Blenki walk the course after themorning practice session. Probably discussing who'll get the best foot out, flat out, drift round the last turn. Photo by Gary Perkin
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Team RSP have team best 4X team on lockdown. Good show guys. -Sven Martin
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A perfect end to a hot summers day. Val Di Sole is living up to it's name this year for sure. Stay tuned for one of the most anticipated downhill races of the season tomorrow! -Sven Martin
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Jared Graves let his final 4X race slip through his fingers as a bold pass and never-give-up attitude gave Tomas Slavik the 4X victory in Val di Sole today.
View replies to: 2011 UCI World Cup, Val di Sole 4X Finals
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