Podiums at the high altitude World Cup Andorra
It was a weekend to remember for the Trek Factory Racing XC team, with a win on Friday’s short track event and a bevy of top-10s on Sunday’s main event. Andorra’s hot and high altitude conditions are always an immense challenge to riders, and the 2019 edition was no different. At the end of the weekend it would be a win in the womens Short track with Jolanda Neff along with a ninth for Emily Batty and a ninth for Anton Cooper. For the main events a second place in the U-23 womens race with Evie Richards, a second place in the womens elite race with Jolanda Neff along with 26th for Emily Batty, and a seventh for Anton Cooper in the mens elite.
The good folks at RockShox were on hand all weekend to help with shock tuning
Short track event prep brings out the fans
Pre-ride for such a fast and violent effort is vital. Emily's practice would pay off with a 9th place
Short track race time
Things worked out well for Jolanda
Anton would have an excellent race to finish in 9th
The conditions in Andorra meant lots of bike maintenance
A little 4th of July cheer for those looking to take part
Race day came up fast, and it was to be a hard one
Evie Richards up first
The good part of racing in the AM is great light!
After a difficult recover from injury, the second place finish for Evie was more than appreciated
This is what racing at elevation looks like
Elite women were up next!
If you are going to warm up, be sure to do it with dramatic light
The race kicks off with brutal and steep climbs
Followed up some equally steep descents
Jolanda had a steady start, and then began fighting her way through the field
Eventually Jolanda would come together with Anne Terpstra, and fight till the last lap
A second place finish for Jolanda on the day
Anton Cooper to start line
Absolutely brutal starts
Anton found himself in a similar position as Jolanda, and began his long fight towards the front
Hard work and steady pace saw Anton move through a number of riders on his way to an awesome seventh place finish
At only 53 seconds down on the winner, Anton played his hand beautifully
The squad now heads to Les Gets, France, where they will take on the next round of the World Cup this Sunday. Stay tuned!
