a few different sections added in . Five groups would take to the course , with the top four riders in each group qualifying to the final knockout . Hart once again proved he was on a mission to take the win , coming in 1 minute 35 seconds ahead of Sherco ’ s Mario Roman in second and Teodor Kabakchiev in third .
The final knockout took place on the short course , with only 30 minutes plus one lap to win . Of the 20 riders , only seven completed five laps , setting blazingly-fast lap times around seven to eight minutes . DRT Husqvarna ’ s Ryder LeBlond started in tenth place , but quickly rose through the ranks to fifth , then settled into a battle with Alfredo Gomez for sixth position , ultimately finishing in seventh as Gomez made a final pass before the checkered flag flew .
After the first lap , the top three positions settled into place , Hart with a firm grasp on the lead , Lettenbichler finishing 1:19 minutes behind , and Roman rounding out the podium only 58 seconds behind Lettenbichler .
“ From the first qualifier today I was struggling so bad ,” said Lettenbichler . “[ I ] knew it would be a really tough event for me . I have a foot injury I ’ ve been managing , and on the downhill sections here it was very hard to control the rear brake .
VOL . 7 ISSUE 9 - SEPTEMBER 2022 // PAGE 91