Battle of the Princesses - Albstadt Women U23
Sunshine made for a welcome change after days of heavy rain and cloudy conditions. A blazing sun dried the course as the start of the women's U23 race got closer. Conditions remained treacherous, though, with a top section which remained wet. Although not one of the most technically demanding courses, ruts, limestone and eroded corners combined with high heart rates and a fair share of nerves always proves challenging.
After the first round in Cairns with only nine riders at the start, Albstadt hosted 59 riders. The Saturday would be all theirs as no other World Cup races were scheduled. Five laps, plus one start lap in summer-like conditions on a physically demanding course. It is time to commence racing in Europe.
![It s all about preparations. Pit areas are full of riders warming up mechanics scrambling to get the lasts details in order and nervous team managers swarming about.]()
![Chiara Teocchi was all smiles whilst warming up today.]()
![Dedicated to your sponsor. Theresia Schwenk s first World Cup ended in 29th position.]()
![Kate Courtney rode an incredibly strong race in Cairns. Today she got off to a fast start taking the lead after 500 metres.]()
![Riders ready but who would have the legs on today s hilly course]()
![Hannah Grobert charges hard at the start while Kate Courtney takes a look across to asses the threat.]()
![The women s U23 field blazes off. Kate Courtney moves to the first position.]()
![Sina Frei who took the European title last week rode to the front of the pack after the first lap.]()
![Traffic jams were plentiful causing the racers to dismount and run the slippery steeps.]()
![Andrea Waldis grinding up the single track climb to the top of the hill.]()
![Gasping for air Kate Courtney struggled to keep up with the race leaders and found herself slipping away to fourth.]()
![Hannah Grobert got the jump on the start but couldn t hold on today.]()
![Sina Frei got away and didn t look back. she was 37 seconds up on second place Evie Richards.]()
![Evie Richards has had some top results lately and she came to Albstadt with both barrels loaded. Second place for the young Brit.]()
![Anne Tauber rode a solid consistent race and bagged her first podium. Third for this Dutch lady.]()
![A slippery upper section of the Albstadt track claimed its victims. Yossiana Quintero barely saved herself.]()
![Chiara Teocchi points and shoots the top descent to on her way to a fifth place finish.]()
![Second for the British Evie Richards.]()
![Despite all of the rain the last few days shade was much appreciated at the end of today s race.]()
![Gasping for air after a hard fought battle.]()
![Your women s U23 podium 1st for Sina Frei second for Evie Richards and third for Anne Tauber.]()
![Thanks ladies it has been an honour. Tomorrow s queens are ready.]()
With a field torn apart by the ladies up front, Albstadt has hosted a fast and furious women U23's World Cup. As the riders make their way back to the hotel we are poised to see tomorrow's action. The weather prediction indicates there might be trouble ahead with thunderstorms rolling in during the afternoon. With a full racing day ahead, we will be reporting back to you with the Men U23, and the elite women and men. Take your seats...
After the first round in Cairns with only nine riders at the start, Albstadt hosted 59 riders. The Saturday would be all theirs as no other World Cup races were scheduled. Five laps, plus one start lap in summer-like conditions on a physically demanding course. It is time to commence racing in Europe.
It's all about preparations. Pit areas are full of riders warming up, mechanics scrambling to get the lasts details in order and nervous team managers swarming about.
Chiara Teocchi was all smiles whilst warming up today.
Dedicated to her sponsor Radon. Theresia Schwenk got a pretty last minute opportunity to ride her first World Cup. She was all fired up, eager and all smiles.
Pure concentration on Kate Courtney's face prior to the start. Will today bring another victory?
Riders ready, but who would have the legs on today's hilly course?
Hannah Grobert charges hard at the start while Kate Courtney takes a look across to assess the threat.
The women's U23 field blazes up the grass field after the start. Kate Courtney moves into first position moments after.
Sina Frei, who took the European title last week, rode to the front of the pack after the first lap.
Traffic jams were plentiful causing the racers to dismount and run the slippery steeps.
Andrea Waldis grinding up the singletrack climb to the top of the hill.
Gasping for air, Kate Courtney struggled to keep up with the race leaders and found herself slipping away to fourth.
Hannah Grobert got the jump on the start, but couldn't hold on today.
Sina Frei got away and didn't look back, she was 37 seconds up on second place, Evie Richards.
Evie Richards has had some top results lately, and she came to Albstadt with both barrels loaded. Second place for the young Brit.
Anne Tauber rode a solid, consistent race and bagged her first podium. Third for this Dutch lady.
A slippery upper section of the Albstadt track claimed its victims. Yossiana Quintero barely saved herself.
Chiara Teocchi points and shoots the top descent to on her way to a fifth-place finish.
Second for the British rider, Evie Richards.
Despite all of the rain the last few days, shade was much appreciated at the end of today's race.
Gasping for air after a hard fought battle.
Your women's U23 podium; 1st for Sina Frei, second for Evie Richards and third for Anne Tauber.
Thanks, ladies, it's been an honour. Tomorrow's queens are ready.
With a field torn apart by the ladies up front, Albstadt has hosted a fast and furious women U23's World Cup. As the riders make their way back to the hotel we are poised to see tomorrow's action. The weather prediction indicates there might be trouble ahead with thunderstorms rolling in during the afternoon. With a full racing day ahead, we will be reporting back to you with the Men U23, and the elite women and men. Take your seats...
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But still, those ladies are banging fast!!!