NO UCI World Cup #1 Fort William, Scotland June 1

With a different format for the 2002 UCI season, some thought it may be different riders in the finials, but when you get guys like Wade Bootes and Brian Lopes at a race of almost any kind of bicycle discipline, you can expect them to meet up in the final. Along with Bootes and Lopes was Cedric Gracia and Steve Peat in the main event for the season opener. A short, tight BMX style course had the riders relying even more on a great start, as with times in the 25 second rang, there was not much time for passing. With over 4,000 paying, screaming fans on hand, Wade Bootes once again put on a great show for his world wide fan base. Here is how Wade finished up:

Wade Bootes started the day off with a great 3rd overall qualifying time, guaranteeing him a spot in the field, as there were over 200 riders fighting out for the top spots to make the nights big show. Wade would go on to dominate and win all the races he was in for the rest of the day, up to the final event. The top four riders, Bootes, Lopes, Peat, and Gracia were hounded with fans cheering as the gate was ready to drop, and Wade misjudged the gate, slightly hitting it. This may have been helpful, as Wades blistering holeshots all day would more than likely have put him out front, but instead it was Brian Lopes in the lead. The reason it may have been beneficial, was that the 2nd place rider used Lopes as a berm, pushed him off the track, and continued on, letting Bootes to power around Peat and pull close up to Gracia. Wade was just short of a win here, but the key to the World Cup circuit is consistency, something Wade knows and does very well. Wade is off the Slovenia next week for round #2.

Wade's sponsors include Trek, Volkswagen, Powerbar, JBL, Rock Shox, Shimano, Azonic, THE, Oakley, Vans, O'Neal, CTI 2, Marwi Spokes, ATI Grips, Tool shed, AC, BMXpros.com, Selle San Marco, E-Caps, Sockguy, Stealth, NoTubes.com, Revenge/Champion Nutrition, Bontrager, Nike, DeMarchi, IRC, Pedro’s, IMBA, Wrench Force, www.wadebootes.com, and King Cage.
BMX Sponsors include AC, Bombshell, ATI, Vans, O'Neal, Marwi, THE, Oakley, Head Lock, Azonic, and BMXpros.com,

$-cross Pro Men
1. Cedric Gracia - Volvo/Cannondale
2. Wade Bootes (Aus) Trek/Volkswagen
3. Brian Lopes - GT/Fox/Speed Stick/Pizza Hut
4. Steve Peat - Royal/Orange