This weekend sees the last World Cup rounds of Cross Country and the Eliminator series, where competitors lay down everything they have to secure their final UCI results.
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The World Cup at Hafjell, Norway has already been kicked off with the final race of the year for the Eliminator series, but the Cross Country and Downhill races have yet to begin.
This last race of the Eliminator series turned out to be a rather exciting one with lead changes in every race. The course was varied, including steep climbs, rock gardens and even BMX style jumps. The winner of the women’s race was Jenny Rissveds, winner of round two at Nove Mesto, Czech Republic. She did not go on to win the overall standings, however. That went to Alexandra Engen of the Ghost Factory Team, with Kathrin Stirnemann taking second and Jenny Rissveds finishing off the top three.
In the Men’s Eliminator, Daniel Federspiel of Otztal Scott took the overall win of the year during the first race when he gained the necessary point to secure it. He didn’t, however, go on to win the day. Simon Gegenheimer and Mathias Wengelin took to battling each other for the final win of the day with Gegenheimer pushing to the win.
While it may not be to the wire, there is still a chance for the top women’s XC standings to change. Tanja Zakelj of Unior Tools currently leads, but only with 85 points ahead of Katerina Nash of Luna. Contending third place are Maja Wloszczowska and Eva Lechner.
On the men’s side of things, Nino Schurter of Scott-Swisspower looks untouchable at the front, keeping a commanding lead in the standings. Julien Absalon of BMC looks like the only one who could disrupt it, but has said that he will not be participating because of a broken rib he got during the World Championships. So this actually makes Schurter the overall winner. Second and third have yet to be established, however, and Absalon will surely be nervous to find out if Daniel McConnell of Trek Factory Racing or Ondrej Cink of Multivan Merida will take his place in second.
For full racing coverage and a list of all the weekend’s events head over to Red Bull TV Live.
Cross Country Women’s Elite – 14 September 2013 11:18 am – 1:15 pm (SAST)
Cross Country Men’s Elite – 14 September 2013 1:48 pm – 3:45 pm (SAST)
