July 27, 2013 (Vallnord, Andorra) – The Elite Women’s race is soon underway with 46 women on the start line for round #4 in sunny warm conditions, 26 degrees. Emily Batty (Trek Factory Racing) the lone Canuck there has decided NOT to race in her new MTB Nationals jersey as she has a cold and is not 100%. Catharine Pendrel (Luna Pro Team) is also out still nursing a broken collarbone. Batty podiumed in 3rd at the last round in Val di Sole, Italy. The winner in Italy, Tanja Zakelj (Slo) Unior Tools Team, will be looking to repeat and battling Zakelj are Eva Lechner (Ita) Team Colnago Sudtirol, Maja Wloszczowska (Pol) Giant Pro Xc Team, and Olympic gold medalist Julie Bresset (Fra) BH Suntour. Marianne Vos (Ned) Liv/Giant is also on the start line…the altitude and wind will be a factor as the women race 5 laps (reduced from 6 due to heat/altitude) of 4.4km each for 23km.
Results
1. Sabine Spitz (Ger) Sabine Spitz Haibike Pro Team 1:26:54
2. Katerina Nash (Cze) Luna Pro Team 0:01
3. Eva Lechner (Ita) Team Colnago Sudtirol 0:04
4. Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Nor) Multivan Merida Biking Team 0:09
5. Tanja Zakelj (Slo) Unior Tools Team 1:24