Photo Report: Short Track - Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup 2018 by ikeizer

The downhill qualifiers weren't the only excitement at the hill today. The time had come for the cross country riders to shuffle their cards in the late afternoon light. Mont-Sainte-Anne's first XCC race was about to set off. In contrast to the excellent XCO course, the XCC course consisted of repetitions of the XCO start loop and a ton of cut grass. Uninspiring, but physically demanding nonetheless. Racers tested their power and tried to grab the much-desired spots on the first two rows come finals. Tonight's race gave spectators a teaser of what's to come on Sunday with the welcome addition of many more rock gardens and steep climbs.

All lined up for the women's race.

Jolanda Neff may have gotten the whole-shot but she would not hold on to the pace.

Jolanda Neff may have got the hole-shot, but she would not hold up to the pace.

The last rays of light light up the women s XCC field.

The last rays light up the women's XCC field.

Annika Langvad lead out at about the half way point and kept on the gas.

Annika Langvad led out at about the halfway point and kept on the gas.

Catharine Pendrel is always dangerous, especially on her home turf.

Langvad blazing down with Keller in her wake.

The lead out group in the early laps was high in head count. The track was taped wide enough so attacks were always a possibility.

The lead group in the early laps was a big head count. The track was taped wide enough so attacks were always a possibility.

Annika Langvad takes another win.

It's a short track, but a tall order to keep up with the pace.

The men are off.

XCC first-timer Peter Disera keeping up with the pace on home soil.

Racing into the last bit of light.

Henrique Avancini was on a mission.

In a race of grass, speed tucking is key.

Marco Fontana suffered hard today.

More of this on Sunday.

Results

Men Elite

1. Sam Gaze
2. Henrique Avancini
3. Mathias Flückiger
4. Anton Cooper
5. Lars Forster

Women Elite

1. Annika Langvad
2. Jolanda Neff
3. Kate Courtney
4. Katerina Nash
5. Barbara Benko

Full Results

Author Info:

ikeizer

Member since Jun 4, 2009
43 articles

6 Comments

grizwald FL (Aug 10, 2018 at 18:13)

Kate Courtney...on the podium!!!

gooutsidetoday (Aug 10, 2018 at 19:11)

She's had a fantastic season so far. She's just getting started in her career too

mnorris122 (Aug 10, 2018 at 20:02)

What a lame race, riders probably woulda been better served with cross bikes.

gooutsidetoday (Aug 10, 2018 at 20:43)

You don't know what this is... This is essentially a crit race on grass or dirt. No, it's not technical at all but it's short, and super high intensity. And remember, rubbin' is racin'

jclnv (Aug 10, 2018 at 22:10)

@gooutsidetoday: I love XCO but I have to agree that the course was a bit dull compared to other short track races.

ikeizer (Aug 11, 2018 at 9:32)

But then they'd have to race the XCO race with their cross bike, which would be...challenging!