May 18, 2012 (La Bresse, FRA) – The 4th round of the Rockyroads UCI Mountain Bike World Cup presented by Shimano gets underway this weekend in La Bresse, France, a ski resort in the Alsace region by the German and Swiss border. The site has twice held a Downhill World Cup, however 2012 marks the first time the resort will host a cross-country WCup event.

La Bresse has a history of drawing large and enthusiastic crowds, and organisers are expecting to break records with the presence of French favourites Julien Absalon (Orbea) and Julie Bresset (BH-SR Suntour-Peisey Vallandry).

After the start loop on the xc course riders will head up out of the valley to tackle the major climb of the 4.8-kilometre circuit: a steep singletrack climb with roots and rocks that will require both strength and technical skill. From there, the riders traverse the slope and hit the second part of the climb – a more open, gradual one to the highest point of the course. After this it’s, literally all downhill to the finish, on a twisting, technical run where skilled riders will open gaps.

Adding to the importance of this round is the fact that this World Cup is the final event in the Olympic qualification period for the London 2012 Games for most countries, and the competition for a birth to the Canadian Olympic team is heating up.

Leading the charge for the Canadian Women is Catharine Pendrel (Luna Pro), who is looking to improve upon her 6th place finish last weekend in Nove Mesto. “Sixth place isn’t the end of the world; I had good legs but made tactical mistakes,” Pendrel told Pendrel from Nova Mesto. “I won’t make those next time!”

Pendrel doesn’t plan to take any different approach to her race strategy, other than to avoid loosing 52 seconds to the lead group in the start loop, as she did in round three. “It will be very mentally tough,” says Pendrel. “To succeed you will need both great climbing legs and the confidence to decend in the wet, technical downhills.”

While travelling away from home in Europe, it’s nice if you can maintain some familiar habits, and Pendrel’s Luna Pro Team has their coffee bases covered by team sponsor, Doma Coffee of Idaho – the company sent Pendrel and the team a huge 5-kilo bag of coffee for their European road trip.

Fellow Canuck Amanda Sin (SCOTT – 3Rox Racing) isn’t changing her plan of attack for the race in La Bresse. “Having a good start will be key, but it always is,” says Sin. “There are limited opportunities for passing and a lot of climbing, so it will be important to have a good position.”

Joining Pendrel and Sin on the start line in the Elite Women’s’ field are Emily Batty (Subaru Trek), Marie-Helene Premont (Rocky Mountain Factory Team), and Catherine Vipond (Canadian National Team). Batty and Premont are the likely choices to earn the second spot along with Pendrel in London as the countdown continues in the selection process.

On the men’s side, the three Canadians vying for one of two spots to represent Canada in London will line up at the start in La Bresse. Max Plaxton (Team Specialized Racing USA), who is coming off his best World Cup finish of his career in Nove Mesto, is looking to have another strong ride to strengthen his case for Olympic team selection.

Although Nove Mesto did not go as planned, Derek Zandstra (SCOTT-3Rox Racing) is still a contender for the Olympic team.  “Last weekend was pretty weird for me to have such an off day,” commented Zandstra regarding his Nove Mesto result. “I’m just trying to keep moving forward and not focus on last weekend. This weekend is a different style of course and will make for a good race.”

Zandstra’s teammate, Geoff Kabush (SCOTT – 3Rox Racing), has been taking it easy since Nove Mesto. “It’s been a slow week with a couple travel days and some moody, cold weather in La Bresse,” Kabush confided to Pedal. “I’ve been fighting a bit of a head cold, resting a lot, and reading about bonobo monkeys.” Arguably one of the best technical riders on the circuit, Kabush doesn’t stress about the deteriorating forecast for Sunday. “It is definitely a tough, old-school XC course with some long grass climbing. I’m hoping I’ll turn the corner by Sunday and I’m staying optimistic that I will be good to go; rain would definitely help.”

While not necessarily in the direct hunt for an Olympic bid, Adam Morka (Trek Canada) is going to bring his best to La Bresse.  Building on his performance from Nove Mesto, Morka plans to leave it all out there on the track. “The race track in France is unique and I like the super natural layout,” says Morka.

“I will be pushing to get into that top 60, which is a big one but you never know how things can sometimes play into your favour so you have to give it your all from start to finish.”  Morka ran a single ring setup on his Trek Superfly 29er last weekend, but the steep climbs of La Bresse dictate the need for a double ring.

“This course isn’t suited to a single ring especially if we see muddy conditions like all week in training. I might throw some extra light tires on, it would be a risk but could also mean 10-15 places.”

In the U23 races on Saturday, Evan Guthrie and Evan McNeely will suit up for the Canadian National Team on the men’s side while Laura Bietola (SCOTT – 3Rox) and Andréanne Pichette (Canadian National Team) will race in Women’s U23 event.