May 13, 2012 (Nove Mesto, Czech Republic) – The sun was out but the air was cool, as the Elite women competed in round 3 of the RockyRoads UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.  Hosting for the second year in a row, Nove Mesto’s course and atmosphere drew rave reviews in 2011, and this year’s edition of the World Cup stop lived up to it’s reputation as fans were treated to blazing fast cross-country racing.

There was a big crash at the start of the women’s race, as a swath of riders went down while ahead France’s Julie Bresset (BH-SR Suntour-Peisey Vallandry) and the Czech Republic’s own Katerina Nash (Luna Pro) took up a hard charge at the front of the race during the opening laps.

Reigning World Champion Catharine Pendrel (Luna Pro) had bad luck at the start, and was caught behind from the lead group.  “Traffic forced me off my bike during the start loop so I came through a minute back,” said Pendrel.

By mid-race, the Luna Pro rider was able to make her way up into 3rd position, but her effort did not come without a consequence. “I was happy to bridge back up to the leaders within a couple laps [of the start], but I paid for it and didn’t have the legs to hold onto the podium.”  Finishing 6th on the day, Pendrel was reminded how easy it is to lose contact with the front end of the race.

“Today was interesting. I had the legs, but some bad positioning and tactical mistakes made me play catch up and then lose spots on the last lap.”  Keeping an open mind, Pendrel is taking away the positives from the race as “you always learn more from bad races than good races so these bad moments will hopefully make me stronger next time.”

Eventually, the leading group of three riders – including Bresset, Nash, and Irina Kalentieva (Topeak Ergon Racing Team) – broke away from the pack as Pendrel could not But a bobble by Nash saw Kalentieva move into second to battle with Bresset but today the French rider was untouchabl. Pendrel took over third as the final lap began but couldn’t hold the pace as Nash regained her composure with a last lap surge for third behind Kalentieva in 2nd with Bresset taking home the gold.

The competition for the 2nd Olympic spot for the Canadian women is heating up as Marie-Helene Premont (Rocky Mountain Bicycles Factory Team) finished a strong 9th today, edging out Emily Batty (Subaru-Trek) who ended up completing the top ten.  Premont’s late race surge was too much for Batty to hold back, setting up an exciting race between the two women at the next WCup stop in France next week – the last World Cup race before the Olympic MTB team selection.

Amanda Sin (SCOTT – 3Rox) remains consistent on the World Cup circuit, and will have to wait only one week for another crack at breaking through the top thirty in La Bresse, as Sin finished in 40th place for the second straight World Cup race.  “My race went pretty well and the course was in great condition; it was really fast,” Sin told Pedal.  “My race went pretty well and I feel like I’m getting stronger, but everyone else seems to be as well!”

Catherine Vipond’s (Canadian National Team) bad luck streak continued.  Not only did her bike not arrive on her flight over earlier in the week (she did receive her Norco in time to race), but she was caught up in the big crash off the start, which ended her race early.  “It was a rough day for me.  Unfortunately I went down hard in a crash off the start and that was it for the day. I’ve got a bit of time to recover and hopefully will be back ready to go next weekend.”

The World Cup series continues next weekend in La Bresse, France and Pendel will make her way there with the Luna Pro team on Monday.  “Tomorrow we get to drive 9hrs! I’m sure the legs will feel lovely! Then I hope to ride with my Luna and Canadian teammates in La Bresse.  I’m looking forward to enjoying some good trails, coffee and recovery!”

Women’s results and race updates HERE.

Women’s Race Photos

 

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Men’s Report – Schurter Wins; Plaxton 14th & Kabush 18th

May 13, 2012 (Nove Mesto, Czech Republic) – Round 3 of the RockyRoads UCI Mountain Bike World Cup concluded with a blast today in Nove Mesto with the Elite Men’s 30km cross-country where home-town favourite and World Champ, Jaroslav Kulhavy (Specialized Racing) was pitted against Houffalize (round 2) winner, Julien Absalon (Orbea Racing Team) of France and Switzerland’s round #1 winner Nino Schurter (Scott-Swisspower MTB Racing Team).

Marco Aurelio Fontana (Ita) Cannondale Factory Racing struck out early in the race looking like might have the goods to take the field but the chasers in fact were stronger. Five leaders formed at the front but Fontana and Ralph Naef (Sui) Multivan Merida Biking Team were not able to keep pace as Schurter, Kulhavy and South Africa’s Burry Stander (Specialized Racing) battled it out for the top 3 positions. France’s Absalon abandoned during the 4th lap as he’d been sick on Wed. and did not have the legs today, preferring to rest up for La Bresse.

At the front Stander tried his luck but Schurter, who celebrated his birthday today, was unrelenting keeping both Stander and Kulhavy on the defensive. On the final lap, it was Schurter who made the attack that stuck, with Kulhavy close behind in 2nd while Stander hung on for 3rd place.

Leading the way for the Canadian men on the day was Max Plaxton (Team Specialized Racing USA) with a 14th place finish.  This result is the best of Plaxton’s World Cup career and he was pleased with his form.  “The race went well and I’m happy with the outcome obviously,” Plaxton told Pedal.  “I was a little nervous about the start but I had a clean take off and I stayed out of trouble. I just moved up when I could without towing anyone around.”

Plaxton tried to race within himself in an effort to minimize mistakes and prevent a last lap implosion. “I tried to race as smart as possible and in hindsight could of maybe left a little more out there but a top-15 in Europe in a Olympic year with everyone trying to make their nation’s team is a big result.”

With many weapons to choose from, Plaxton went with his Specialized 29r Sworks Epic: the right choice in his mind for sure.  “Each lap it got rougher and bumpier and that bike is just so fast and efficient and light and I really feel I can ride to my full ability in the technical stuff which is one of my strengths.”

Plaxton now has relieved some pent up frustration with this strong result and is now looking forward to next weekend’s race in La Bresse, France. The Victoria, BC-native told Pedal, “…knowing my start position will be a bit better next weekend I would say a top-10 isn’t out of reach.”

The Canadian men have two Olympic team positions, and Geoff Kabush (SCOTT – 3Rox) made another step today towards solidifying his spot on the Olympic roster.  “Today’s race went smoothly; the result was okay but I was definitely looking for a little more,” Kabush confided to Pedal.  “I was in position to move forward but didn’t have the legs to make a mid-race push and fight for the top ten.”

According to Kabush, this new World Cup format with tight loops and short steep climbs has minimized the time gaps between athletes and it has put a premium on being 100% and minimizing all mistakes. “I’ll take 18th here and move on motivated for next weekend in La Bresse. Hopefully I will be a little sharper and ready to challenge the front of the race a little more.”

Fellow SCOTT – 3Rox rider Cameron Jette had a solid performance, moving up from 117th position at the start to finish in 71st place.  It went well for Jette, even though he was caught up in a crash 200m off the start line. “Luckily I didn’t hit the ground, but had to put a foot down and restart. From then on I just felt good moving from group to group and was able to move up from 111th after the start loop to 71st at the finish.”  Like Kabush, Jette was on his SCOTT Scale 29er.  “It was definitely the best bike for the high speed course.”

Coming off an unexpected absence from the early season racing Adam Morka (Trek Canada) did well to finish on the lead lap in 84th position during this crazy fast World Cup race. “I am feeling satisfied with my race, I was able to push myself hard and really dig when I needed too,” said Morka. “I bounced around high 70s and low 80s for the entire race. Last year I was 63rd at this race but one lap down, so you can see how the speed and depth of the field has took a jump, it is the Olympic year and its normal.”

Like most of the Canadian crew, Morka will head to La Bresse, France for the 4th round of the World Cup.  “I am anxious to see the course in France and race again as it feels good to be back in the swing of things.”

Men’s results and race updates HERE.