After the first UCI Downhill World Cup of the season a couple weeks back in Slovenia, it was the XC racers‘ turn this weekend. The World cup returned to Albstadt, Germany with all the teams and riders chomping at the bit to kick off another exciting season of racing. The World Cup weekend started off with mixed skies and the first short-race of the season on Friday; a pacey 20 minute battle in the dry.
Jordan Sarrou from Team Absolute Absalon secured himself a second row start in Sunday’s finals with his 15th place in the short race.
Before the elite men could commence battle, the men U23 race was to be settled...
Max Brandl from Lexware MTB Team unfortunately got caught up in chaos right after the start which threw him back outside the top 40. With an incredible determination, he managed to fight back upto 21st. Thomas Bonnet, Team Absolute Absalon, finished 9th which is another great start into the new season.
Soon it was obvious that Sunday would turn into a race against the elements. It stayed clear for both the under 23 and elite women races where Lucy Urruty, Team Creuse Oxygene Guéret, finished her first ever elite race inside the top 30.
For the second half of the day a deluge had been forecasted and right on cue the skies opened up and turned everything into one muddy, slippery mess.
The heavy rains couldn’t deter Jordan Sarrou however and the Frenchman who had left Albstadt in 5th place last year climbed higher up the podium this year into 3rd place. Jens Schuerman, Team Creuse Oxygène, finished 12th which is his best world cup result so far.
The weekend was a great and promising season kick off and we are excited for round number 2 in the Czech Republic next weekend!