The opening round of the UCI Trials World Cup in Krakow (Poland) was marred by an accident suffered by French women's champion Marion Porcher during semi-finals on Saturday. In a show of respect for the athlete, the organiser, with the UCI's agreement, allowed the riders to decide whether to continue with the finals. Riders in the Women Elite and Men Elite 20" categories decided not to participate further. However, some of the Men Elite 26" category continued their event.
Against the background of this distressing situation, Jack Carthy secured the win. The top three riders, concern written all over their faces, held up a banner on the podium saying: "We ride for Marion" Carthy was the overall winner of the UCI World Cup last year while still a Junior. Now in his first year in the Elite category, the young Briton demonstrated that he was more than ready for the new season. He came out top against France's Vincent Hermance, 30, who confirmed that his return to 26" in 2012 after a spell in the 20"category was continuing to bear fruit. "I decided to take part for Marion," said Hermance. He was by far the most experienced rider on the podium: third-placed Nicolas Vallée is just 17.
The next round of the UCI Trials World Cup takes place in Voclabrück (Austria) on 8-9 August.