April 30, 2012 (Mansfield, ON) – Amanda Sin (Scott-3Rox) and Evan McNeely (Specialized) topped the Elite women’s (33.8km) and Elite men’s (42.3km) fields respectively on Sunday at the Plastiglas XC Ontario Cup-#1 held at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre. Mansfield is the first of seven races included in the 2012 Plastiglas Ontario Cup Series.  The Mansfield course was fast and in perfect condition with several steep short climbs and lots of fast flowy singletrack.

In the Elite women’s race, it was Cindy Montambault (CVM 2 VALS) who attacked right from the start and rode really strong.  Montambault had a gap after the first lap, but Sin worked to close the gap on the 2nd lap. From there, Sin went on the offensive. “I attacked before a steep climb and managed to get a gap [on Montambault],” Sin told Pedal. “From there I focused on being smooth and fast and held on for the win.”

Sin thought that her 29er was an advantage for her today. “I did ride my Scale 29er and it was awesome. I was able to carry so much speed and it smoothed out any bumpy areas and floated though the sand.”

During the Elite men’s race, it was Steven Noble (Opus / OGC) and McNeely breaking free on the 1st lap. As the race pushed on, McNeely continued to apply pressure and slowly edged out an advantage. “I was able to put in a couple seconds here and there and slowly grow the gap,” said McNeely.  Not looking back, McNeely crossed the line to take the win with more than a 1-minute advantage.

Like Sin, McNeely’s weapon of choice for this course was the 29er hardtail.  “I would say that it is a pretty ideal track for my Specialized Stumpjumper 29er, but then again I would take it anywhere and feel confident it’s the bike of choice.”

McNeely was very pleased with the victory.  “It is my first O-cup and Elite MTB win and it is a good sign of how my form is now heading into an important block of World cup and Canada cup racing.”

Haley Golding (Trek Store Cycling Club) took the Junior Expert Women’s 25.3km race while Marc-Antoine Nadon (Scott-3 Rox Racing) topped the Junior Expert Men’s field (33.8km) for the win.

Full results HERE.