August 04, 2019 (Val di Sole, ITA) – Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Corendon-Circus captured his second victory on World Cup circuit at Round 5 in Val di Sole, Italy, with Mathias Flueckiger (Sui) Thomus RN in second and series leader, Nino Schurter (Sui) Scott-SRAM, in third.

The top Canadian was Leandre Bouchard (Pivot Cycles-OTE) in 42nd in the 6-lap race. “Val di sole is not a easy course with four steep climbs in the short lap,” commented Bouchard.

A fast start saw Van der Poel, Schurter and Henrique Avancini (Cannondale Factory) take charge as three riders bridged including Flueckiger who forced the paced with only Van der Poel and Schurter able to respond.

On the final lap Van der Poel attacked and was untouchable as he soloed in for his second career World Cup victory. “It’s a tough course and the pace was high but I felt good and had enough left in the tank to take the win,” he said at the finish.

Peter Disera (Norco Factory), recently crowned Elite Men’s champ, was sitting around 20th but faded to finish 67th. “Yes, a tough day at the office. Even with good legs this course is brutal but without the whole package it can be truly devastating. It’s all good though, I knew after the great form I had at the last set of World Cups that there would have to be a low,” said Disera.

“I’m excited to have another chance at it next weekend in Lenzerheide. And, of course, looking forward to finding that form again before Worlds in MSA,” he added.

Bouchard was happy to start beside Disera. “It was great to start in the third row just next to Peter (earned in the Short Track). I did my best and I’m happy with the fight I gave. It’s not my best but still better than last year at this venue,” he commented.

Andrew L’Esperance (Norco Factory) was 75th and Raphael Gagne (Team Canada) finished 105th.

In the U23 men’s race earlier in the day, Sean Fincham (Norco Factory), who recently scored his first WCup podium, started well but suffered a bee sting and finished 17th remaining 4th overall. His teammate, reigning Canadian champ Quinton Disera (Norco Factory), was 24th, Raphael Auclair (Pivot Cycles-OTE) placed 78th and Gunnar Holmgren (Team Canada) was 91st.

Elite Men’s results here.
U23 Men’s results here.