World Cup #1

Looks like the results are posted for round 1 of the World Cup in South Africa and I just gotta start with the girls since our American women put in a solid performance with 3 inside the top ten! Mary McConneloug nailed a 5th while Willow Koerber was only about 30 seconds back in 6th and Heather Irmiger was only another 30 or so seconds back in 8th. All of them about 5 minutes back of the winner Elisabeth Osl. Nice showing! It was only a few years ago when we were just barely cracking the top 10! Plus, Mary just continues to impress with seemingly new found speed each year! I love this sport, you just keep getting better and faster! The 90lb Russian Irina Kalentyeva finished 2nd, 2 minutes back of Osl and in front of Lene Byberg of Norway.

A job well done for Mary!

In the men, Jose Hermida proved that the Flyin' French Absalon is in fact human taking the opener by 30 seconds over the perennial champion. Young home turf hero Burry Sander was only slightly off the pace, finishing 20 seconds back of Julien for 3rd. Wow. That kid is getting good. Well I guess we knew that from last year, but he is certainly confirming it and proving that the learning curve from GT to Specialized did not hurt him in the least as he easily collected the U23 class victory on his vacation to the podium. Finishing aonther 30 seconds back of Burry was Mr. Stripes and Specialized teamate Christoph Sauser.

The winner...digging!

Those guys are fast...I think our North American contingent would definitely agree as Adam Craig brought it home in 49th, Michael B was 63 and K-Bomb did the best in 30th. Wonder where Todd Wells finished? Nothing up on him yet, but despite his mechanical he was on a mission at Fontana passing 100 riders in an impressive ride, so I am sure he had high expectations for this race.

***Just in, sounds like Kabush had the holeshot in the men's race and JHK got involved in a big pile up off the start that ruined his wheel. Man, that is tough luck. Still no word on Wells.***

Lastly, what about those Swiss? 6 of them in the top 15!!! I think I need an Alpine Vacation...