Cross Country team scores results in Czech Republic
It was a wild weekend of racing at the World Cup opener in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic. The full Trek Factory Racing squad was present, ready to show the products of a fruitful pre-season.
Continuing his great show of form was Anton Cooper, who put in an enormous fight to score a top-10. Starting in a 41st grid position, the outlook for Anton was not enviable. Regardless of the positioning, Anton fought viciously to score a 9th place finish. In his words,
"Pretty chuffed with my result! I had a good start moving my way up over the start loop and first lap. You have to fight for every inch in the Elite race. There is no opportunity to back off and relax at all and with 2 laps to go I was really starting to feel it. I lost touch of the podium group and settled into fighting for a top 10 finish, eventually coming home in 9th position! I left it all out there on track, feeling completely rinsed at the finish line but proud to be up there in the top 10."
The podium of the day belonged to Evie Richards, the British development rider who is receiving Factory Racing team support. An explosive start saw her leading the race, before a crash in one of the many technical features forced her to become the pursuer.
Evie raced hard and smooth, but was unable to catch the leader. She still put on a dominant performance, distancing herself from any challengers on her way to a second place finish. In her words,
"I'm super happy to kick off the season with a 2nd here at Czech World Cup. After missing my pedal and an early crash I just had to keep my calm and push on to chase down first place. The crowds were amazing and the lap was dusty but super fun on my Top Fuel. I had such an exciting weekend and it made it even more special having my crazy family there cheering me on!"
Although suffering a bad start that saw her lose positions, Emily was able to fight back through a large field to score a 17th place finish. The first race of European season is always a gamble as to how one feels, as Emily says,
"After a long wait for the 2017 World Cup season to start, I was happy to suit up in my Trek Factory Racing colors and kick off the opening round in the Czech Republic. Though the 17th place wasn’t the result I was anticipating nor is it what I train for; I’m hopeful next week will be different while I become adapted to the European time change and get settled into a good routine.
I'm motivated to build upon my finish in Czech and with a full week to prepare adequately leading into Germany; I will be dialed in for a strong performance at World Cup #2."
Absent from the racing was Sergio, who is still suffering from the effects of a prior crash.
The racing continues this coming weekend in Albstadt, Germany for the 2nd round of the World Cup.
