Blevins and Rissveds outpowered their competitors and were tactically brilliant in Sunday’s XCO.Here’s a visual feast of the actionfor you.
With Olympic qualification on the minds of many, the first World Cups of this season have added pressure.It’s GO GO GO for the Women’s race.Jolanda Neff started steady and boosted a path into the top 5.Martin Vidaurre holeshots the Men’s Race.Tight and twisty, the track had many pinch points.Evie Richards, full gas in the opening laps.Simon Andreassen, in the lead group for most of the race.An off day for Schurter who finished well done the field. He hinted at illness and clearly had a big stack too. The 4.7km long track had many wallrides, bridges and man-made features to entertain the crowd.This season, Loana Lecomte’s form is scheduled for July, in France….#OlympicsHigh humidity meant temperature control was a key factor.Chiara Teocchi rocked her first World Cup Elite podium.Filippo Colombo is very much in form right now. A resurgent Kate Courtney had a great XCC and XCO this weekend.All together now…Martin Vidaurre delighted the fans with a classy performance.Neff is back!A calculated and powerful performance by Jenny Rissveds. With Olympic qualification already secured, she let the others burn their matches before rolling off the front to a solo win.The master of pacing. Riding ‘his own race’ Christopher Blevins rode from deep down the grid to the front of the race, to take the win.American Savilia Blunk is another rider with incredible early season form chasing Olympic qualification.Yea Jenny!Jenny Rissveds, with plenty of time to celebrate the win.The finish line, where on-track rivalries end. Wasn’t the smoothest weekend for Alan Hatherly however P8 in the XCO is a brilliant result. Candice Lill also rallied to a credible P18. | *Click to enlargeBlevins – sheer brilliance!Specialized was on it this weekend. What a team.What could have been… Haley Batten pushed a little too hard and pushed the front end in a turn, which took her out of contention for the win.First through fifth: Jenny Rissveds, Savilla Blunk, Haley Batten, Chiara Teocchi, Jolanda Neff.First through fifth: Chris Blevins, Victor Koretzky, Filippo Colombo, Jordan Sarrou, Martin VidaurreWhat a weekend! | Images: Red Bull, UCI
