Part 2: Taipei World Inline Cup Preview

Planet Preview: 2005 Taipei World Inline Cup

Fila and Bont Have Lots to Prove as World Cup Moves to Taiwan

Second Stage of World Cup May Provide Clearer Picture of Season

(Part 2 of 2)

Of course, Fila and Bont aren't the only teams with something to prove tomorrow. At this early stage in the season, all the teams are still unproven.

Salomon's Technological Advantage?

The Saab-Salomon team appears to be out not only that it can win, but that it can do so on 110 mm wheels. Team member Franck Cardin finished second in Seoul on the wheels.

(The wheels are made by Supersonic, a company formed by Cardin and fellow team mates two years ago.)

Rollerblade's Resurrection?

And then there's Rollerblade. As if trying to erase the memory of its mediocre 2004 season, the team shined brilliantly last week in Seoul.

Not only did team member Jorge Botero finish first, but the team ended the day in a tie for second place (with Fila).

Was it just a rainy day fluke or is Rollerblade back this year?

It's too soon to say, but another bright spot for the team Sunday was the seventh-place finish of Shane Dobbin. The Australian only scored 101 points in last year's World Inline Cup. Already this season, he has 60.

Of course, all eyes tomorrow will be on last week's winner, Botero. The Colombian said after last week's race that the wet conditions gave him an advantage.

The question now is, can he win without the rain?

More about the Taipei World Inline Cup

The marathon will be held on a 10 kilometer loop on the elevated Civil Boulevard Freeway in downtown Taipei
10,000 skaters are expected to participate in the full and half marathons
The top cash prizes in the marathon are $5250 for the first man and $4000 for the first woman