August 31, 2002, (Kaprun, Austria) – In one of the most highly anticipated
races of the year Roland Green of Canada had the ride of his lifetime! Green
survived what sounds like one of the toughest races this season and is now
the World Champion for the second year running. With torrential rainstorms
soaking the course, organizers removed a technical downhill section and
shortened the race by half a lap. Despite the conditions the men’s lap times
were optimal for the course. A very muddy Roland Green was covered in head
to toe when he crossed the line! With 28 DNFs, only 62 riders finished
within the same lap as the Canadian!

Current World Cup leader Filip Meirhaeghe was second, a scant nineteen
seconds behind Green. Switzerland’s Thomas Frischknecht won the bronze.

Canadians Seamus McGrath, Geoff Kabush and Chris Sheppard all had their top
finishes ever at the MTB Worlds, rolling across theline in 8th, 17th and
25th places.
Other notable results from Canadians include Peter Wedge 38th, Mathieu
Toulouse
43rd, Andreas Hestler 62nd, and Bill Hurley 63rd.

Reports came in that the espoirs men’s course was also shortened by one lap
because of the weather conditions.

There were no reports of mechanicals or flats during the day’s events for
the Canadians. The Canadian team is very happy overall and ready for a cold
beer tonight! Most of the team will be heading back to Canada tomorrow. A
few members (on sponsored trade teams) will remain in Europe to compete in
next week’s World Cup final in Les Gets, France.

Results:
1. Roland Green (CAN) 2:19:02
2. Filip Meirhaeghe (BEL) 2:19:21
3. Thomas Frischknecht (SUI) 2:20:47

Other Canadians:
8. Seamus McGrath 2:27:45
17. Geoff Kabush 2:32:53
25. Chris Sheppard 2:35:58
38. Peter Wedge 2:41:21
43. Mathieu Toulouse 2:42:11
62. Andreas Hestler 2:54:06
63. Bill Hurley -1 lap