April 26, 2014 (Cairns, Australia) – The Elite Women’s XC race is soon underway in hot, humid conditions for round #2 of the 2014 UCI World Cup XC in Cairns, Australia site of the 1996 MTB Worlds. A total of 32 women are on the start line including Jolanda Neff (Sui) Liv Pro XC Team winner of round one at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, with teammate Maja Wloszczowska (Pol) also on the podium in 3rd. Battling with them are Eva Lechner (Ita) Colnago, Alexandra Engen (Swe) Ghost Factory Racing and Sabine Spitz (Ger) Sabine Spitz Haibike Pro Team along with Tanja Zakelj (Slo) Unior Tools, the 2013 World Cup series winner, who had a lacklustre start in Pietermaritzburg.

Representing Canada are Emily Batty (Trek Factory) and Mikaela Kofman (Scott-3Rox Racing). Catharine Pendrel (Luna Pro Team) is still out nursing a broken collarbone – the women will do a 1.6km start loop and 5 laps…

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Results
1. Eva Lechner (Ita) Colnago 1:38:48
2. Emily Batty (Can) Trek Factory 0:52
3. Irena Kalentieva (Rus) 1:07
4. Sabine Spitz (Ger) Sabine Spitz Haibike Pro Team 1:19
5. Tanja Zakelj (Slo) Unior Tools 2:07

16. Mikaela Kofman (Can) Scott-3Rox Racing 9:32

Full results here.

Overall
1. Jolanda Neff (Sui) Liv Pro XC Team 350 points
2. Eva Lechner (Ita) Colnago 330
3. Emily Batty (Can) Trek Factory 300
4. Irena Kalentieva (Rus) 280
5. Sabine Spitz (Ger) Sabine Spitz Haibike Pro Team 280

Overall standings here.