Pendrel, who has notched various victories here was happy with her result, but always gracious, upbeat about Vos’ dominance at Ottter. “She has been so consistent in almost all her races, it’s hard not to be amazed at her being so prepared,” shared Pendrel.
The 2011 MTB World Champ, who flatted out yesterday, wasn’t able to stay with Vos and Langvad in the latter part of the race , but enjoyed the competition today. “I think it’s great to put the pedal down every time I go out there – and I do. I feel really good now and prefer it when I can race against such a field where there is so much depth. I stayed out of the hazards and bottlenecks today, and just focused on seeing how well my legs felt on the course. It’s a good way to get 2013 going.”
Vos, Langvad and Pendrel formed the lead group and never looked back as a chase group lead by Pendrel’s teammates Katerina Nash (Cze) and Georgia Gould (USA) with Kelli Emmett (USA) Giant were at 1m behind. The Dutch star attacked on a climb with under 10km to go and Langvad responded but Pendrel was suffering.
Taking her second victory Vos crossed the line in 1:28:40 with Langvad at 9s and Pendrel in third at 1:57. Emily Batty (Can) Trek Factory Racing, who won here with an epic kick to beat Pendrel two years ago, finished 8th at 4:40 in the second chase group.
Vos, who jetted here from Europe just after winning the brutal Euro Road classic, Fleche Wallonne told Pedal, “I’ve probably been racing a lot more than the others here, and it’s still early in the season for them, so I had an advantage in some ways… and this course suited me very well – the rollers – and of course I like so many kinds of challenges.”
When asked about her return to riding in MTB races and why she picked Sea Otter, she smiled, “I was spreading rumors that I’d try a few MTB races and I thought this one looked promising as the competition was deep…and yes, with the weather and courses, I’d like to come back here!”
Batty was enthusiastic about today’s course and especially the competition, “It’s the best way to find out how my form is when I’m competing against those who are already racing a lot, and it’s still early for me, so I feel good,” commented the Ontario rider.
Other Canadians in the mix included a strong ride by Mikaela Kofman (Scott 3Rox Racing) in 12th, Mical Dyck (Stan’s No Tubes) was 19th, Amanda Sin (Scott 3Rox Racing) took 27th , Maghalie Rochetter (Power Watts Nord) and Laura Bietola (Real Deal/ Gears Pl6) taking 29th and 30th respectively with Haley Smith (Norco Factory Team) placing 32nd out of 42 riders.
Full results HERE.