Langvad and Schurter take elite XCO World Titles
In two stunning races in the crowded and humid forest at Nove Mesto Na Morave, Czech Republic, Annika Langvad and Nino Schurter showed their extreme dominance by winning the 2016 XCO World Championships.
In two stunning races in the crowded and humid forest at Nove Mesto Na Morave, Czech Republic, Annika Langvad and Nino Schurter showed their extreme dominance by winning the 2016 XCO World Championships. Sam Gaze and Jenni Rissveds won the u23 titles in a similar dominating fashion.
With the Olympic Games in Rio drawing ever closer on the horizon, the XCO World Championships were moved earlier in the season, and separate to the Downhill World Championships.
After France won the Team Relay, and Australia placed 10th, eyes were then on the U23 and Elite titles to see who could take the top steps.
Racing on Saturday saw Sam Gaze storm to the win in U23 men, while Scott Bowden finished 20th and Reece Tucknott 60th. Tasman Nankervis had been on a great ride into the top 40, but was hampered by a mechanical.
In the Elite women, a crash marred the start of the race, bringing down favourites like Gunn-Rita Dahle-Flesjaa, Yana Belamoina and Peta Mullens – plus many others. Some recovered, others didn’t. While a group formed at the front containing the likes of Jolanda Neff, Annika Langvad, Sabine Spitz and more, it was Langvad who powered away on the 2nd lap. While Maja Włoszczowska pushed hard into a well-deserved 2nd position, and Spitz into 3rd, flat tyres afflicted both. Lea Davison was finishing strong and moved into the silver position while Emily Batty snuck in for 3rd in a sprint with Włoszczowska. Bec came in 48th and Peta Mullens finished in a super strong 21st.
On Sunday the U23 women set off and it was little surprise that Jenny Rissveds was victorious. Holly Harris finished a valiant 33rd, not bad with a broken wrist.
Schurter grabs his 5th World Title
All eyes were on the pine forest for the Elite men, and it was Jaroslav Kulhavy who lit it up for the opening laps, with just Schurter able to go with him. The chase from Absalon, Cink, Tempier and Stirnemann followed, but soon enough Schurter went to the front to test the others legs. Clearly he knew he was stronger, came back – and then went again.
It was Absalon and Kulhavy chasing, then a big gap to Cink. Schurter would win his 5th World Title, with Kulhavy earning Silver and Absalon Bronze. Dan McConnell was 39th and Cam Ivory 56th.
All photos from Phil Gale. Elite women’s and U23 men’s photos will be uploaded shortly.
