Cycling has been receiving much attention at the Commonwealth Games 2014, and today it was the turn of the mountain bikers as the Cross Country Mountain Bike event took pace.
Conditions were dry and bright as 22 riders took to the course at Cathkin Braes, just outside of Glasgow. The 32km course was a purpose built undulating track, incorporating gravel sections, wooded singletrack, the ‘broken biscuit’ rock gardens and ‘boulder dash’ – a creek crossing.
Canadian rider Catharine Pendrel dominated from the start as expected, riding with as much as a two minute advantage over the rest of the field at one point. She went on to win the race in just over 1hour 39minutes.
Vying for second place were Canadian Batty and Australian rider Rebecca Henderson, who were close together for the majority of race. Batty broke free finally to take second place, 1 minute behind Pendrel.
English rider Annie Last, who has been out of play for over a year with a back injury, put in a great performance but lost out on a podium spot and placed fourth overall. Close behind her was Alice Barnes, sister of road cyclist Hannah Barnes, in fifth.
Last (23) and Barnes (19) have also just been announced as two members of the 11-strong team that will represent Great Britain in the 2014 Cross Country Mountain Bike World Championships in Lillehammer, Norway, in September.
Scottish rider and Glasgow local Lee Craigie placed 7th overall in the race.
Results:
1. Catharine Pendrel (Canada) – 1:39:29
2. Emily Batty (Canada) – 1:40:39
3. Rebecca Henderson (Australia) – 1:40:51
For the full results, visit the Commonwealth Games Results Page.
It’s possible some competitors may be heading straight for the airport, rather than celebrating, as it’s Round 5 of the UCI Cross Country Mountain Bike World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada this weekend.
Don’t forget there’s more cycling to come! Check out the Schedule of Events at the Commonwealth Games 2014.
Like this? You’ll love these!
The Commonwealth Games 2014: Who to Watch
