Good 5th place for Keller and Wiedmann in Mont-Sainte-Anne
Alessandra Keller and Luke Wiedmann both show a convincing performance at the Cross Country World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada. After exciting races both Keller and Wiedmann are happy about the fifth place.
The races in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada, have been held for over 30 years and are among the classics in the World Cup. The course has several steep climbs and the single trail portion is high. With many roots, stones and jumps, the course is very technical and popular with the riders. Both Keller and Wiedmann had good trainings on the course and were confident at the start of the cross country race.
Alessandra Keller in fifth place after a crash
With sunshine and still dry conditions, Keller got off to a good start from the front row of the grid. She didn’t overdo it at the start, but lined up in the top five. In the course of the first lap she fought her way up to second place and was the sole pursuer of the leader Jolanda Neff.
In the second lap, however, Keller crashed in a downhill, lost time and fell back to fifth place. At the same time, heavy rain set in and made the course very challenging on both the climbs and descents. Also, some passages now had to be mastered on foot. Keller again coped well with the slippery conditions and moved up to fourth place in the meantime. In the last lap she was caught by the Italian Berta and had to admit defeat in the final sprint.
“I didn’t have my best day today, plus the crash. However, I am very happy with my consistent performance and the renewed podium finish.” Keller stated on the record. The race was won by Jolanda Neff ahead of Mitterwallner (AUT) and Batten (USA).
Keller now in second place in World Cup ranking
Keller is already the World Cup leader in the Short Track discipline. She is now second in the overall World Cup standings and was able to reduce the gap to the leader Terpstra (NED) to 88 points.
“For the last two races in Val di Sole, consistency will be crucial. I want to secure the overall win at the Short Track race and thus also get self-confidence for the Cross-Country race in Val di Sole. Whether it will be enough for the overall World Cup victory, we will see”. So at the World Cup final in Val di Sole (ITA) everything is still possible and excitement is guaranteed.
Best season result for Luke Wiedmann in the U23 race
In Snowshoe he had bad luck with a crash and had to retire from the race, but in Mont-Sainte-Anne Wiedmann showed himself recovered and attacking. In still dry and dusty conditions Wiedmann showed a good start and lined up already on the starting lap in sixth position. The next laps he drove constantly and without mistakes and reached the finish in excellent fifth position.
At the finish, Wiedmann was very satisfied with his performance and was happy about his best result of the season. “Finally it worked out with a good result at a World Cup race. I am speechless and very happy about this result.” The race was won by the Chilean serial winner Martin Vidaurre.
European Championships in Munich (DE) and World Championships in Les Gets (FRA)
The riders do not have much time for rest. Already on August 19, the European Championships in Munich will continue. One week later, the World Championships in Les Gets will be the highlight of the season.
Results:
https://prod.chronorace.be/angular/results.html#/uci/event/20220805_dh/XCO/CG22/xco/WE/ov
https://prod.chronorace.be/angular/results.html#/uci/event/20220805_dh/XCO/CG23/xco/MU/ov