The final round of the 2024 4X ProTour was held in a town called Szczawno Zdroj (pronounced Sch-av-no Stroy) in Poland.
The track in Szczawno Zdroj is in south west Poland is widely regarded as one of the finest 4X tracks in the world. In the heart of the city, it is the pride of the town, lined by hedgerows and trees. At around 40 seconds long, there is a mix of high and low speed, technical and huge jumps. There is something to suit all the riders and the racing is always amazing.
Scott arrived on Thursday in the team’s Adria motorhome so that he could take his time practicing the track over the next couple of days. The immaculately prepared track has always been a favourite for the team and we were excited for the race.
Scott did some light practice on Thursday and again on Friday. Immediately you could tell this was one of Scott’s favourite tracks. He was flowing well and jumping all the big doubles looking really comfortable on the bike.
Saturday morning rolled around and the race day schedule began with practice. Knowing just how physical this track is, Scott worked to a plan and restricted his practice to just 40 minutes to save vital energy for the racing.
After practice there was a small break for the riders meeting and then it was time for qualifying. The most exciting but nerve wrecking time in 4X. Riders get just one lap of qualifying. Any mistakes and it is time to head home.
Scott was one of the last riders to qualify. His start was on point and he laid down a great run. Crossing the finish line in 3rd place, just 0.3 behind the fastest time. Confidence was high and we now waited for dusk and the floodlights to come on.
On to the racing. Scott won all his early rounds and looked comfortable out on the track. In the quarter final he again made a great start and won the race start to finish. In his semi final, Scott took gate 2, Leonard Hermes in 1, Pavel Reinl in 3 and Piotr Matula in 4. Scott made a great start was leading on the first straight. In turn 1, Leonard came in strong on the inside and both riders didn’t give an inch. Scott quickly ran out of track and went over the top of the berm. Incredibly, Scott stayed on the bike whilst it went sideways! Losing a load of time, Scott was back in fourth and looked like his race was over. He regrouped and started one of the best charges of his career. Catching up to third, making the pass and then chasing the rider in second. Giving it everything he had and with the crowd screaming fr him from the sidelines, across the finish it was a photo finish….. It was third for Scott. We were absolutely gutted. It was an incredible race, but he came up short.
Back at the team truck, Scott was absolutely gutted. However. There was no time as he had to return to the start gate for the small final to determine 5th – 8th positions.
Scott took gate 1. Under pressure and stress, Scott made his best start of the night and simply checked out. Taking the win and the final step of the podium for the day with 5th overall.
It was a cruel end to his night but the fantastic news was that Scott had done enough to finish 3rd overall in the 2024 4X ProTour World Series.
“Thank you to my family, friends, all my sponsors and everyone who has supported us this year. I am absolutely gutted with the semi final tonight. I felt we could have won this event, but it wasn’t to be. I am proud to have won the small final because to be honest I didn’t even want to do that race as I was so angry with myself from the semi final. I think the overall result of 3rd is something to be incredibly proud of and I couldn’t have done it without the support from everyone. Cheers.” Scott was clearly emotional in the finish area but could not stop saying thank you to everyone.
It was straight to the podium for the awards ceremony and then the long drive back home – made much easier by Adria Motorhomes!
Thank you to all our team partners.
