Jolanda Neff has just put herself on the radar for the upcoming cyclocross World Championships as she stormed to victory in the GP Sven Nys in Belgium. The GP Sven Nys may not be in the top tier of Cyclocross racing but Neff was able to beat current World Champion Sanne Cant on her way to the win.
It looks like it was Neff's superior riding skills that won her the event on the day as she was able to bunny hop over obstacles to catch up to Cant and then overcome the mud to take and maintain the lead. Neff ended the race 27 seconds clear.
This is Neff's second CX race of the season since joining the Trek team and she also impressed at her first, the sixth round of the World Cup in Namur, where she battled from the fifth row on the grid to finish fifth.
The Cyclocross World Championships is a month away and if the weekend's result is anything to go by, we could see Neff adding some gold to her collection before the mountain bike season even begins in earnest.
trails with Luca Shaw. Two people that passionate about MTB riding but differing disciplines they’ll teach one another a lot. That inside line was pure DH.
When I ride with someone that is faster than me downhill, I have the benefit of watching their line, and learning to become a faster rider.
This isn’t sexist. This is merely someone trying to make a connection between a couple that could compliment them in their profession.
People need to chill out.
How is "they’ll teach one another a lot" the same as the Rachel comment?
The achievement belong to the athletes personally.
Be happy for them and don't try to look behind a corner for responsibility in one who only assisted to reach the goal.
every athlete need a supporting surrounding, but a professional team can't bring any human to the same goal.
All top athletes are spacial in there own way.
It is sexist because we downplay the woman's (Rachel, Jolanda, etc.) achievements making it sound like it's purely because of the men in her life when that fact may have 5% (maybe 10%?) affect on her speed. Who knows the level of affect; why speculate? I don't hear anyone saying Mathieu VanDerPoel is only good because his brother and father are professional cyclists. When you mention one but not the other, its sexism, bro.
It isn’t sexist at all. It’s an association of family and/or friends. Stop trying to defend people who aren’t claiming to be victims.
Luca Shaw is fast.... Ethan Shandro is fast.... the list of family members that are fast goes on and on.. we can discuss motor sports and keep the lists going.
It isn’t necessarily gene pool, it’s exposure and the desire to be involved.
When Chris Kovarik has female riders in his development program, people don’t yell, “SEXIST!!” at him in the pits. They see it a strong rider helping others become more refined, and well rounded.
Bash away.
Put yourself in the shoes of the ladies. Almost as long as Rachel has been racing, I'm sure she would say the topic of "you're only fast because Gee is your brother" has been a constant one. Nevermind the hours per day spent in the gym, eating right, practicing riding skills, years of experience, her sponsors' equipment, etc. I'll agree with you if you say, the only reason she is racing mtn bikes is because Gee and Dan influenced her.
If we are being accurate, the corollary argument doesn't hold up and further proves this as having a negligible affect. "Those without fast men in their lives are not fast riders and winning races." Yet we still see plenty of women at the top of the sport without fast men in their lives, so there is no direct correlation. Therefore, the causation must be dismissed.
What does it say for women wanting to get into the sport? If you don't have a fast man in your life, don't bother thinking you'll be able to do well.
Nobody has once declared that these amazing women are faster because they’ve had the opportunity to ride with MEN. They’ve simply stated that they are riding with fast people (who just happen to be men in these circumstances).
I’d bet that Luca Shaw has learned a bit from Yolanda, and with her direction, will make him a better rider... does that level the playing field? Or is that a sexist comment?
Go ride with people that are faster than you. Personally, I only ride with Androngenous-Pat. After our rides, we typically go grab a Hefenweisen, shop at The Gap, and get matching haircuts at Supercuts. It’s the most healthy, unconditional, unprejudiced, non sexual, biking partner I have.
They also invented Cyclocross as an excuse to drink beer and eat hot dogs in a tent (they are fun to go to).
definitely loving watching the XC/CX crossover these past few seasons.
One the American side keep your eye on Ellen Noble, she's been making a huge rise and is doing MTB/CX this season with trek.
Different form of motors have been around since the early 2000's. The most expensive are in the rear hubs (150k per wheel). I am sure team skay uses them on more than one rider – when needed.
Don't think that MTB is a clean sport either – the controls are just more permissive. Anytime one person wins everything it is always the same reason... either mechanical or medical...
All other sports are even more doped out, with much less controls – i.e. football, soccer, etc.
Meanwhile.... Martin MAES!!!!!!!!!! Godverdomme!!!!
I'd like more BMX content please. Thanks.