News

Henderson and Fry deliver in La Bresse

Published Date

Written by Una McKay

Australian MTB riders finished strong in La Bresse, France.  The Cross-country Eliminator opened the Cup races and once again saw new faces on the top step of the podium. Rowena Fry finished 4th place after a dramatic 2nd place finish in the semi final.  Held in the streets of the host village La Bresse, the French community embraced the event, with spectators lining the course.

In the XCO U23 women's event it was World Cup leader Yana Belomoyna (UKR) who took the victory after her main threat Jolanda Neff (SUI) crashed on the third lap, injuring her knee which forced her to withdraw.

Behind Belomoyna, South Africa's Candice Neethling looked like a chance to make the podium but faded in the final lap, and was overtaken by Australian National Champion Rebecca Henderson and Samara Sheppard (NZL), who rounded off the podium placings. Henderson moved from a starting position of 4th and finished strong to claim 2nd. 

In the U23 Men's race, Austria's Alexander Gehbauer rode to a solo victory.  Second went to Markus Schulte-Luenzum (GER) who finished ahead of Matthias Stirnemann (SUI). For Australia, Michael Crosbie finished a highly credible 51st with his best ever World Cup finish. Crosbie started in 74th position and performed the 46th fastest time lap of the day.

MTBA-Specialized Team riders Cameron Ivory and Alex Meyland had to withdraw from after race injuries sustained at last weeks XCO World Cup in Nove Mesto.

View La Bresse coverage here and on the UCI site 

Find Cycling Central race reports and results here and on Cycling News

(Image Rebecca Henderson)

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