After 17 qualifiers all over the world, including in Eindhoven and Brussels, the Red Bull UCI PumpTrack Finals will be hosted in Lisbon on November 17. The winners of both the 2021 and 2019 qualifiers were invited to compete against each other for the rainbow jersey. 34 women and 33 men from all over the world, America, Europe and also Africa, competed against each other. Velosolutions Benelux colleagues Debbie and Maxime were there. The exciting atmosphere and the performances during this day were overwhelming!
The Velosolutions PumpTrack in Lisbon is located in a prime location, in the Parque das Nações park next to the Ponte Vasco da Gama. The park offers a beautiful view over the Tagus River and also contains a skate park, calisthenics, basketball courts and padel courts. A perfect location for a top race organized by Red Bull, Union Cycliste internationale and Velosolutions. During the week before, the riders had the opportunity to get to know the track, train and get to know the city.
Sunday started with a free practice session, after which the World Final started at 13 pm. 34 women start of which the top 16 advanced to the next round. They were given 1 hour; first they drive a timed lap 1 by 1 then they get the opportunity to improve their own time. A gamble if you're on the verge of qualifying; do you drive an extra lap to make sure you go through to the next lap? Or are you saving your strength? Driving PumpTrack requires a lot of your stamina. The arms and legs work hard to make the forward pumping motion needed.
The following women from Belgium and the Netherlands were at the start: Aiko Gommers (B), Robyn Gommers (B), Elke van Hoof (B), Merel Smulders (NL), Manon Veenstra (NL), Lieke Klaus (NL) and Daniëlle Vrenegoor (NL). The first 6 of the ladies mentioned qualified within the top 16. After the women, it is the men's turn for Belgium and the Netherlands: Aurelie Vaessen (B), Niels Bensink (NL) Max Eijndhoven (NL) and Maurits van der Wal ( NL). Niels Bensink qualified for top 16.
Aiko Gommers on the track in Lisbon. Photographer: Dan Griffths
Very exciting racing laps followed with the drivers visibly becoming more and more tired. The Dutch Merel Smulders and Niels Bensink really gave everything, resulting in a creditable 4th place. The final was not just any old one, the Belgian 17 year old Aiko Gommers rode a very consistent race, with a lot of flow and little decay between the rounds. She is the 2021 PumpTrack World Champion in the women's category! Among the men, Frenchman Eddy Clerte was supreme all day with very strong lap times! He qualified during the preliminary rounds in Eindhoven and now he is the 2021 World Champion!
The winner among the men; Eddy Clerte. Photographer: Dan Griffiths
A great atmosphere, a prime location and exciting races resulted in an unforgettable successful day. The after party on a rooftop bar in the city center of Lisbon made the whole experience complete! Monday morning it was time to say goodbye and go back to the Netherlands. Our work calls. Who knows, we may build a World Cup worthy Velosolutions PumpTrack?!
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the production of this Finale. It was amazing. And once again a congratulations to all Belgians and Dutch people, especially Aiko Gommers, for their contribution and top performances! To be continued!
Aiko Gommers on the track in Lisbon. Photographer: Dan Griffths
The following women from Belgium and the Netherlands were at the start: Aiko Gommers (B), Robyn Gommers (B), Elke van Hoof (B), Merel Smulders (NL), Manon Veenstra (NL), Lieke Klaus (NL) and Daniëlle Vrenegoor (NL). The first 6 of the ladies mentioned qualified within the top 16. After the women, it is the men's turn for Belgium and the Netherlands: Aurelie Vaessen (B), Niels Bensink (NL) Max Eijndhoven (NL) and Maurits van der Wal ( NL). Niels Bensink qualified for top 16.
