The TFR XC crew is looking strong ahead of the World Cup season opener!
Most of the Trek Factory Racing XC crew has been in Brazil since last week getting acclimated to their surroundings ahead of next weekend’s XC World Cup season opener in Petropolis. On Sunday, they raced at the Petropolis venue for the Copa Internacional MTB Michelin. And on a similar course to the one she’ll take on Friday and Sunday, Jolanda Neff soared.
There’s winning, and then there’s what Neff did, taking the top podium step by just over six minutes. Even Neff seemed caught off guard by her performance:
Big features and fast line choices play into the hands of a technically savvy and skilled rider like Neff, and could be a big factor in the World Cup race.
Teammate Evie Richards joined her on the podium, taking third at approximately 6:35 back. Richards looked strong, despite struggling with back pain. With a few more days to recover, she’ll hopefully be able to put her best foot forward when she lines up for the World Cup.
Jolanda Neff, Evie Richards and Vlad Dascalu gave impressive performances ahead of the World Cup opener.
TFR XC rolling out!
In the men’s race, Vlad Dascalu took second behind Chilean rider Martin Vidaurre Kossman. Dascalu has been gradually ramping up his form, and has fit right into a new team environment. Last we saw him at a World Cup, he was vying for a win in Snowshoe before finishing second for a career result. His World Cup debut for TFR will be a must-watch.
Round 1 of the XC World Cup season is set to begin this Friday with short track racing at 2:20 p.m. CT. Riley Amos (who scratched before Sunday’s race) and Anton Cooper will also be on the start line. Get ready, because a fascinating season is about to begin.
