August 11, 2019 (Lenzerheide, SUI) – Pedal caught up with legendary Canadian mountain biker, Catharine Pendrel (Clif Pro), a former MTB Worlds champion and Olympic bronze medallist, following her first podium this season as she claimed 5th in the Elite Women’s XCO at Lenzerheide. Pendrel has been making steady gains she broke her arm last season, and with the MTB Worlds on home soil at Mont Sainte Anne, she’s on track for the championships and could three-peat.

Superb 5th for your first podium this season… how does it feel ?
Catharine Pendrel: Amazing! I felt strong start to finish.

You had a good start… did the race unfold as expected ?
CP: Yes finally the start gods shine on me! Clean start and could move into a good position to move up from. I was surprised to make it up to the leaders but unfortunately crashed and got tangled in the course tape so lost that group and had to mentally regroup for a lap. I found the forward momentum again though and had a good back and forth battle with Sine Frei with her edging out a couple seconds on me by the finish.

How was the course and conditions… there were a number of mechanicals ?
CP: Conditions were great. It had been so slippery all week but dry and grippy today. I think with the higher speeds there were a lot of flat tires. Unfortunately many Canadians flatted. Sandra Walter, Haley Smith, Laurie Arsenault, Ralph Auclair, Sean Fincham all had flats with Sandra taking the running record in the day with about 2km.

Did you know you were fighting for a podium spot… ?
CP: Yes. I knew Jolanda [Neff] was fading and coach Dan Proulx was out there giving me splits and motivation.

You’re on track for the Worlds at MSA… that has to feel good.
CP: Yes! Absolutely. It still feels like any woman’s race, but nice to put myself in contention and hopefully draw a bigger crowd with that momentum

Anything to add ?
CP: Big thanks to all of Team Canada for helping me get back to this level.