World Cup season comes to a close in Italy
The Trek Factory Racing team wrapped up the World Cup season this weekend. It was a weekend of mixed results on the day, but solid enough for the team to put riders into top-ten overall finishes for the season. Anton Cooper finishes his season in seventh overall for the World Cup, a fantastic start for the first year elite rider. Emily Batty takes a ninth place overall finish in the womens elite. Evie Richards takes the third place overall for the womens U-23 category.
Evie Richards came into the season strong, finishing on the podium in nearly every round of the World Cup. This weekend proved to be no different, with the intrepid Brit taking a third on the day, and a third overall for the U-23 womens World Cup.
Anton Cooper made an indelible impression on the season, in just his first as an elite male. Although the day’s race wore down the kiwi, Anton was able to claw his way to a 20th place finish. It was a long a grueling and season, starting in honest at the very start of the year in 2017. The seventh overall finish in the World Cup series is a welcome reward, and shows excellent promise for future seasons.
"Over the moon with my comeback season to World Cup racing and first season with the Elites. The race in Val di Sole was fast and furious with numerous bunches forming, splitting and regrouping throughout the race. I had a smart race, stayed out of trouble and with the help of my team mate Sergio over the second half of the race managed a strong final few laps to take home 20th on the day."
Emily Batty fought hard for her 17th place finish, struggling with fatigue. The result was still good enough to maintain a ninth place overall finish in the World Cup standings.
"I was definitely hoping for a better performance in the final round of the World Cup in Val Di Sole, Italy. I trained hard the last two weeks in preparation for World Champs in Australia, but with travel and likely training fatigue, it seemed I was going backward for the entire competition. I had a great start and showed speed early in the race, but just couldn't sustain it. Hoping to redeem myself in two weeks time at World Championships in Cairns, Australia."
Sergio Mantecon had the monster task of fighting from a 60th starting position. His tenacity proved effective, coming back to finish in 21st place.
"I had good legs, I could recovery from 60th to 21st, and also help to Anton to fight for the 7th position in the overall. In two weeks we have the big goal of the season, and I will arrive in perfect mental and physical condition."
The team now heads to Australia for the World Championships. Stay tuned!
