The first World Cup race of 2014 ended with a return to the past as Douglas Dalua Silva stormed the final day at Maryhill, narrowly beating Canadian Patrick Switzer and fellow Brazilian Max Ballesteros. Dalua is one of the big names in the sport, but after a quiet 2013, and now into his 30s, it appeared his race-winning days might be behind him.
The final capped a day of some of the tightest racing ever seen, with plenty of shoulder to shoulder action and a series of rider protests. Dalua avoided it all by using his massive push to get out in front and stay there despite the risk of being draft-bait.
In Women's, Elena Corrigall picked up where she left off in 2013, dominating the field with Amanda Powell and Alicia Fillback filling the rest of the podium. Last year's 2013 overall runner-up Georgia Bontorin sensationally crashed in the final straight during the final.
In Juniors, the 2013 IDF World Champ, Australian Connor Ferguson, also continued his form from 2013 with a photo-finish over Roger Jones. Still only 16 years old, Connor has a massive future ahead.
The street luge battle had looked to be a two-man race, with Abdil Mahdzan from Malaysia in the form of his life and looking to beat the favourite, Mikel Echegaray Diez from Spain who was battling an injured finger. The final didn't disappoint, with Abdil taking the win in a close battle.
With Abdil absent from the Classic Luge race there was nobody to stop Mikel Echegaray Diez from winning with ease.
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