This article was originally published on Cyclingnews.com.
Men: Absalon back to winning ways in Houffalize
Julien Absalon (Orbea) rode a savvy race to victory ahead of Nino Schurter (Scott Swisspower) at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Houffalize, Belgium, on Sunday.
"I felt good. It's always special to win in Houffalize," said Absalon to Redbull.tv after the finish.
Absalon and Schurter emerged as leaders together from an initial top group that also included Manuel Fumic (Cannondale), Ralph Naef (Multivan Merida), Burry Stander (Specialized) and Jaroslav Kulhavy (Specialized).
For much of the race, Schurter looked stronger, especially on the downhills, where he would often get a slight gap on Absalon. But in the final lap, Absalon saw his chance and attacked on a climb. He quickly distanced Schurter and crossed the line with a comfortable 38-second advantage.
"I was thinking, ok I need to attack Nino before the last lap because I know he's always strong in the last lap," said Absalon. " He was faster than me on the last downhill, taking maybe 20m each lap, so my tactic was to attack before that."
Fontana rode alone to third place while Stander won the battle with Fumic for fourth place.
Women: Canadian Pendrel wins and moves into lead of World Cup standings
This article was originally published on Cyclingnews.com.
Catharine Pendrel en route to victory
Catharine Pendrel (Luna) soloed to victory in the elite women's cross country race at round two of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Houffalize, Belgium. Julie Bresset (BH - SR Suntour - Peisey Vallandry) finished second ahead of Maja Wloszczowska (CCC Polkowice) in third place.
Pendrel and Bresset dominated the race together near the front, but as the race progressed, Pendrel pulled away. The reigning world champion extended her lead to an eventual, final 48 seconds.
U23 rider Pauline Ferrand Prevot (Rabobank Giant Offroad Team), who had an exceptionally fast start, battled Wloszczowska for third with the Polish rider coming out ahead of the young Frenchwoman. Blaza Klemencic (Felt Oetztal X - Bionic Team) finished fifth.
Results
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