LA MASSANA, Andorra , Sunday June 15, 2008-

It’s no big news to hear that Lopes came down Vallnord mountain in 22:21.84 minutes, earning him the 1st qualifying spot for the MaxiAvalanche. What is news, is that he did this one day after an overnight hospital stay. Talk about a die hard competitor!

Brian who is best know for his sprinting abilities in 4X, decided to uphold his “all-around cyclist” reputation by competing in MaxiAvalanche held in Andorra. With a secured spot among the top dogs of this discipline; Remy Absalon, Franck Parolin and Tomas Misser, Lopes went on to inadvertently abandoned his signature hole-shot starts for approach, that proved successful, winning both his first and second run.

“It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure…and the flat sections were definitely the most challenging” said Lopes about his first MaxiAvalanche experience.

Men’s Results
1. Brian LOPES (Oakley/Ibis)
2. Franck PAROLIN
3. Remy ABSALON
4. Tomi MISSER

source: Paula Lopes