Highlights: XCO World Cup in Nové Město
Tom Pidcock and Laura Stigger take classy wins at the high-speed and technical Nové Město World Cup
Women’s Race
Laura Stigger put on a masterclass in the women’s race, storming to victory with a 47-second advantage after seven laps. She hovered near the front from the start, but it was her attack late in lap three that really blew the race apart – a move no one could answer. From there, Stigger looked completely at home on the technical Nové Město course, especially on the descents where she consistently stretched her lead.
Behind her, Jenny Rissveds bounced back from mid-race troubles to secure second place, while Specialized teammate Sina Frei backed up her round-one win with another strong ride to finish third. There was heartbreak, though, for Evie Richards. After looking firmly in contention for the win, Richards suffered a heavy crash on the penultimate lap and was forced to abandon the race. Candice Lill placed 19th. In the U23 race, Tyler Jacobs finished 20th.
Men’s Race
Tom Pidcock ruled Nové Město once again, claiming another win at the iconic World Cup venue. After finishing second in the XCC Short Track, Pidcock had a front row start for today’s XCO and, once he hit the front, he never really looked back. That said, it wasn’t a completely comfortable ride to victory. Luca Martin kept the pressure on throughout the race, keeping Pidcock in sight. But despite Martin’s relentless chase, Pidcock always seemed to have an answer and he held on for the win.
Behind the front two, Filippo Colombo rounded out the elite men’s podium after a hard-fought ride of his own. Luke Moir was the first South African home, placing 41st with Michael Foster 82nd. In the U23 Men’s Race, South African’s Massi Ambrossi finished 68th and Omar Wilson 88th. //
Results
Elite Women
1st) Laura Stigger: 1:21:32
2nd) Jenny Rissveds: +47
3rd) Sina Frei: +47
4th) Nicole Koller: +56
5th) Alessandra Keller: +58
Elite Men
1st) Tom Pidcock: 1:18:52
2nd) Luca Martin: +18
3rd) Filippo Colombo: +1:04
4th) Martin Vidaurre Kossmann: +1:19
5th) Fabio Püntener: +1:20