Schurter claims Dalby World Cup win

Mens finish

Scott- Swiss Power rider and reiging World Champion, Nino Schurter, won the first ever world cup race to be held at Dalby forest. The men’s race started in its usual frenetic fashion, but was quickly whittled down to a lead group of eight. By lap four, the attrition had left only three vying for the win. Then on the final lap, due to doing much of the pace setting, Burry Stander (South Africa) made a mistake, leaving multiple World and Olympic champion Julian Absalon (France) and Nino Schurter to fight it out for the win.

Absalon led the duo onto the final straight, and then in a repeat of last years World Championship race Schurter kicked harder and took Absalon on the line.

Schurter was obviously pleased with his victory, “this is an incredible victory, to win the World Cup and take the leader’s jersey is very special. I hoped to do well here, but there was a very strong field, so I was only looking to make the podium. I was dying out there, to stay with Julien, but I Knew if it came to a sprint I was a little faster.”

First Brits home were Oli Beckinsale in 37th and on his return after a break due to fatigue, Liam Kileen in 50th.

In the women’s race the reigning World Champion Irina Kalentieva also won, but in her now familiar dominant fashion, with Willow Koerber (Subaru- Gary Fisher) in second. Annie Last was the first Brit home in 19th, a result which put her on the under 23’s podium.

With the crowds turning up in droves and the course winning high praise from the riders, deeming it a true mountain bike course, Dalby Forest can give itself a pat on the back and will no doubt host another round in the future.

Published Sunday 25 April 2010

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