World Cup xc #2 -- Madrid, Spain

Madrid photos

May 8, 2005

Women's Race

Gunn Rita Dahle (NOR, Multivan-Merida) was back on top of the podium after having to settle for second in the series opener two weeks ago in Belgium, which Canada's Marie-Helene Premont (CAN, Rocky Mountain-Business Objects) won.

For more, see Pedalmag.com

I felt really well-prepared going into the race: fit, rested, ready. The course was straightforward: 7.4 kilometres with lots of fast, dirt road sections where you had to put it into the big ring and hammer; several short, steep, sandy climbs (total leg-crunchers); and a few fast, rutted, non-technical descents. It wasn't the type of course that plays to my strengths, but it was fun, which is all that matters.

Another good thing was that it was HOT. I like racing in the heat and often seem to deal with it better than many other riders. It was quite a shock, however, coming from Giverola, which has been hovering regularly around the mid-20's, to Madrid, which hit mid-30s easily.

I started at the VERY back. Dead last. Apparently only the top 50 from World Cup #1 got points, and since I was 52nd -- "0". Anyway, no big deal. I just told myself I had nowhere to go but up.
 

I tried to start as fast as possible, but somehow I didn't feel fast. On the second, third and fourth laps, I felt strong and smooth -- I was able to hammer out of the saddle and feel powerful. The fifth lap was also pretty good, but my legs were starting to cramp up a little.

Thanks to Juerg for the feeding, driving and help in general; Flurin for taking photos and doing random helpful things; Antoine, Torben, Martin and the rest of the SRAM boys for being so helpful and generally cool dudes and the awesome amazing crowds that cheered me on!

 Results
1. Gunn Rita Dahle (NOR, Multivan-Merida) 1:42:49
2. Marie-Helene Premont (CAN, Rocky Mountain-Business Objects) at 0:42
3. Sabine Spitz (GER, Specialized) 1:07
4. Irina Kalentieva (RUS, Multivan-Merida) 1:09
5. Lene Byberg (NOR, Multivan-Merida) 1:48
6. Marga Fullana (ESP, K2-Zero RH+) 2:01
7. Alison Sydor (CAN, Rocky Mountain-Business Objects) 2:29
8. Mary McConneloug (USA, Seven Cycles-Kenda) 3:20
9. Maja Wloszczowska (POL, Lotto) 3:44
10. Ivonne Kraft (GER) 4:01
Other Canadians:
18. Kiara Bisaro (CAN, Gears Racing) 6:00
25. Trish Sinclair (CAN, Scott USA) 8:06
45. Sandra Walter (CAN, AdventureBound.ca) 14:55

Men's Race

Julien Absalon (FRA, Bianchi-Agos) is King of Casa de Campo after completing seven blistering laps under the Spanish sun the fastest of the day. He completed seven laps of the 7.4-kilometre course in 2:06:11. He held his arms high as he cruised into the start/finish area to the sound of fans banging the barriers with their hands and Queen's "We Will Rock You."
 
For more, see Pedalmag.com

Results
1. Julien Absalon (FRA, Bianchi-Agos) 2:06:11
2. Jose Antonio Hermida (ESP, Multivan-Merida) at 0:15
3. Christoph Sauser (SUI, Siemens Mobile-Cannondale) 0:25
4. Roel Paulissen (BEL, Giant) 0:56
5. Marco Bui (ITA, Full Dynamix) 1:09
6. Lado Fumic (GER, Fumic Bros. Racing) 1:20
7. Bart Brentjens (NED, Giant) 1:34
8. Liam Killeen (GBR, Specialized) 2:49
9. Jérome Chevallier (FRA) 2:59
10. Marti Gispert Labarta (ESP, Maxxis) 3:01
Canadians:
DNF Max Plaxton (CAN, Maxxis)