12th September 2009: Red Bull Road Rage, Saint Lary Pla d’Adet, Pyrénées

Moncassin back to glory on « Red Bull Road Rage ».

10 years after retiring as a professional road cyclist, Frédéric Moncassin has proven that he still has it. He reigned over the 4km track of the descent at Saint Lary Soulan (France) and won the first French Red Bull Road Rage. During the final heat, which was run under heavy rain, he was smarter and faster then the three friends from the Cantal region, as well as the legendary mountain bike downhill athlete Cedric Gracia.

After the qualifying run, where Moncassin snatched away the best time, he dominated each and every heat opposing 4 athletes at a time. He reached top speed levels around 95km/h while the track was still dry. Cyril Despres, winner of Paris-Dakar, proved his talent reaching the semi finals.

In the 8th finals, it started to rain, and the organizers consulted the riders to see if they wanted to continue the race, which they did! In the final heat, where the 5 fastest athletes proved their skills, Moncassin showed that the best tactic paid off. While being 4th in the last turn, Moncassin realized that the three friends from the Cantal region rallied against him, and tried to prevent him from victory. That’s when Moncassin managed to use the slipstream of his competitors and overtook them, while accelerating for the final sprint.

Guillaume Gualandi, winner of Swiss Red Bull Road Rage in 2008 resigned : «Moncassin was smart and he was the fastest ».

Third on the podium, David Lacoste, also originated from the Cantal region, admitted Moncassins superiority: « We have tried to prevent him from using our slipstream, but he has so much strength in his legs that he just left us behind in the last stretch ».

« I am really proud » said the winner, « I really enjoyed myself participating in this race, which has such an unusual and innovative format, and rushes your adrenaline to high levels. To win in front of my kids, who where still very young at the time of my victories in the Tour de France is a great feeling ».

Moncassin, happy having raced for the first time after 10 years, walked off in the rain and turned around once more to ask: « by the way, where can I sign up for the next race? ».

Results

1. Frédéric Moncassin
2. Guillaume Gualandi
3. David Lacoste
4. Fred Mazières
5. Cédric Gracia