October 06, 2018 (Israel) – Awesome day on the bike for the team moving up in the overall ranking to finish 3rd on the final Stage 3 and 7th place overall. After the neutral start we positioned ourselves close to the front to stay out of the dust and be ready for any move that went. On a steep pavement climb about 5 km into the race the pair of Russia and Germany riders attacked and we followed quickly, and the Czech team could also follow.

The break quickly gained time on the field and Kulhavy made his way to the front to keep it that way. The top 5 teams were within 7 min of each other so there was certainly that GC race going on along with the race for the stage victory.

“We delivered a strong day on the bike for this last stage. Its nice to see that we never played defense in the day or overall, always charging always playing offense, again today it proved to be a smart decision. After 5k the pace went really hard after the Russian/German attacked and we were the only one to follow as well as the Czech team,” said Raphael Gagne.

“We rode the front trio team for half of the race until we had to take our own pace. Doing so probably meant we finished strong unlike the last two days where the last long climb was our weakness. Lots of dust but most fun day with a bit more speed and singletrack. We finished a strong 3rd place climbing the overall classification to 7th.”

“What a great way to finish off our time here in Israel with our strongest ride and 3rd place on the stage. Going into the last day our goal was to again race at the front and ride aggressively but my personal goal was to make it to the last climb in good shape and finish strong,” said Andrew L’Esperance.

Unlike the last two days, we both made it to the final climbs of the race with good energy and good legs and we smashed them. Overall it was an awesome experience racing and touring around Israel. We got some really good race experience and a bit of vacation on the side. Huge thanks to the Israel Ministry of Tourism for this opportunity.

“My experience at Epic Israel was amazing. Each time I get to do a stage race I learn so much and takeaway so many great lessons. I am happy to conclude my 2018 season with this race and I am looking forward to getting back to Canada to start preparations for 2019. Thanks to the race organization, Norco Bicycles and Forward Racing for the support to make all this happen,” added L’Esperance.

Gagne echoed his partner, “Mission accomplished. I’d like to thank my partner Andrew for the race, the ministery of tourism Israel for inviting us and hosting us well. Also my team Silverback OMX pro team, this concludes my 2018 XCO season and I am excited for a bit of rest before starting building towards next race season.”

Canada’s Cindy Montambault racing with teammate Jaqueline Mourao from Brazil also landed on the podium in 3rd on the final stage and claimed 3rd overall in the women’s race.

Results (brief)

Men
1. Specialized (Matous/Kulhavy) 2:21:56
2. Bergamont/Salcano (Zwiehoff/Sintsov) 2:21:59
3. Team Canada (Gagne/L’Esperance) 2:24:41

Women
1. BWR Team (Michiels/Crnogorac) 2:46:27
2. Hungarian Nation Team-Ghost (Terpstra/Benko) 2:54:01
3. Scott Bresil/Trek GPL (Mourao/Montambault) 3:09:55

Final GC

Men
1. LEXWARE Mountain Bike Team (Brandl/Eger) 9:51:41
2. Mobel Markl MTB Pro Team (Raggl/Market) 9:55:16
3. Hungarian National Team (Morton/Valter) 9:57:00

7. Team Canada (Gagne/L’Esperance) 10:13:42

Women
1. Hungarian Nation Team-Ghost (Terpstra/Benko) 11:45:31
2. BWR Team (Michiels/Crnogorac) 12:39:01
3. Scott Bresil/Trek GPL (Mourao/Montambault) 12:53:28