April 1, 2006 (Curaçao, Dutch Antilles) – Gunn-Rita Dahle (NOR, Multivan-Merida) snatched the victory in this year’s first mountain bike World Cup event of the season. The defending World and World Cup MTB Series Champion led from the start, building her lead over each lap of four. Despite being ill last week, the resilient Sabine Spitz (GER, Specialized) powered to second place. Margarita Fullana Riera (ESP, Spiuk Illes Balears) fought hard for the last medal.

Marie-Hélène Prémont (CAN, Rocky Mountain-Business Objects), Canada’s top female cross-country racer, started her season off solidly with a fourth-place finish. Alison Sydor (CAN, Rocky Mountain-Business Objects) suffered a flat tire, a fate that many riders experienced in training due to the rocky course and the surrounding thorny vegetation. Sydor fell far back, but was able to push through and finish 11th. Kiara Bisaro (CAN, Team RACE) was 14th.

Results 4 laps, 27.2 km

1. Gunn-Rita Dahle (NOR, Multivan-Merida) 1:45:54
2. Sabine Spitz (GER, Specialized) at 1:38
3. Margarita Fullana Riera (ESP, Spiuk Illes Balears) 3:05
4. Marie-Hélène Prémont (CAN, Rocky Mountain-Business Objects) 3:39
5. Mary McConneloug (USA, Kenda-Seven) 3:49
6. Petra Henzi (SUI, Fischer-BMC) 6:05
7. Maja Wloszczowska (POL, Lotto) 6:16
8. Lene Byberg (NOR, Bikin’Cyprus) 6:26
9. Cecile Rode (FRA, Lapierre International) 6:50
10. Susan Haywood (USA, Trek-VW) 6:56

11. Alison Sydor (CAN, Rocky Mountain-Business Objects) 7:02
14. Kiara Bisaro (CAN, Team R.A.C.E.) 7:49