Peter Disera strikes silver at MTB Worlds

Canadian Peter Disera earned the silver medal in the Junior XCO race at the 2013 mountain bike world championships in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

Woke up nervous, worried, feeling sick Belief & perseverance delivered the best performance of my cycling career 2nd at World Championships!

— Pete D (@Petey__D) August 29, 2013

German rider Lukas Baum carved out a lead on the very first lap, along with Frenchman Rapheal Gay. However, the two crashed partway through the second lap. Baum recovered quickly, but Gay suffered a flat tire and dropped to ninth before getting to the pits for a wheel change.

Disera was riding in the chase group, along with Czech rider Jan Vastl and German Georg Egger. The trio were joined by Italian Gioele Bertolini on the third lap.

On the fourth lap, Egger crashed behind Disera and the Canadian opened a gap ahead of the chase group. Disera opened his lead further over the remaining lap and a half, to cross the finish line in second place.

Bertolini won bronze.

Disera is the first Canadian man to win a Junior Worlds medal since Max Plaxton earned a bronze medal in 2006.

Thank you so much to all that made this #silver possible. @CanMTBcycling @simmerdown11 But most importantly MOM & DAD; and Q! #WOOT

— Pete D (@Petey__D) August 29, 2013

Disera has had a strong season, winning the Junior race at the Mont Sainte Anne World Cup, and in July, was crowned Canadian Junior Champion.

Congratulations @Petey__D !!!! Your hard work and dedication shines through in your performance – you earned this! Fantastic work!

— Cycling Canada (@CyclingCanada) August 29, 2013

Swiss racer Alessandra Keller won the women’s Junior title, followed by Italian Emilie Collomb. Germany’s Sarah Bauer finished third.