The last World Cup final scheduled today in Mechelen was the one for drivers. As usual, home riders Dries Degrieck and Glenn Geerts had descended on the Nekkerhal to give the audience present value for money. They took on Dutchmen Koos De Ronde, Bram Chardon, world champion Boyd Exell, German talent Michael Brauchle and Swiss Jérôme Voutaz. The fastest three drivers from the first round were allowed to return for the all-decisive drive-off.
Chardon had to enter the ring first for the drive-off, last year's winner got one fault in the course (and thus four penalty seconds) and stopped the chrono after 124.30 seconds. Four seconds were added to that bringing his finishing time to 128.30 seconds. World champion Boyd Exell had surprisingly failed to set the fastest time in the basic round, forcing him to start second in the drive-off. However, if anyone can handle pressure, it is him. He did what was expected of him, riding a clear, fast lap in 126.57 seconds.
Michael Brauchle, who completed the fastest base lap, had to enter the ring last. If he managed to outdo Exell again this time by riding a faster, clear round, he would win the Mechelen World Cup. However, it did not come that far, experience won out over youthful enthusiasm today. They total of 135.60 seconds would earn him third place.
Chardon had to enter the ring first for the drive-off, last year's winner got one fault in the course (and thus four penalty seconds) and stopped the chrono after 124.30 seconds. Four seconds were added to that bringing his finishing time to 128.30 seconds. World champion Boyd Exell had surprisingly failed to set the fastest time in the basic round, forcing him to start second in the drive-off. However, if anyone can handle pressure, it is him. He did what was expected of him, riding a clear, fast lap in 126.57 seconds.
Michael Brauchle, who completed the fastest base lap, had to enter the ring last. If he managed to outdo Exell again this time by riding a faster, clear round, he would win the Mechelen World Cup. However, it did not come that far, experience won out over youthful enthusiasm today. They total of 135.60 seconds would earn him third place.