Catharine Pendrel wins record fourth Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup competition Sunday
After a tough race on the unusually dusty Mont-Ste.-Anne terrain, Emily Batty finished third.
Catharine Pendrel has had a stellar career as one of Canada’s top mountain bikers, and on Sunday the Kamloops, B.C.-based athlete added one more high point to her list of achievements, setting a record in the process.
In Mont-Sainte-Anne, Que., Pendrel won her 12th Mountain Bike World Cup, her fourth such victory on the legendary Quebec terrain.
The podium was rounded out with some familiar faces, as Emily Batty of Trek Factory Racing finished third after a tough see-saw battle of a race. In the first lap, Pendrel surged to the front, opening a sizable gap on Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa of Norway. Dahle Flesjaa poured on the chase in an attempt to reel Pendrel back in, and was joined by Danish rider Annika Langvad, until Batty answered their charge and overtook both riders in the final lap.
After the race’s conclusion, Pendrel commented on the importance of riding hard and early. “On this course,” the Luna Pro Team cyclist said, “it’s just super important to get out in front. A lot of people make mistakes in front of you so at least if you make a mistake you’re in control. It was awesome; there are so many people out on course.
“It was amazing out there, trying to keep focused and not get distracted by what was going on.”
Batty, who will join Pendrel in representing Canada at the Rio Olympics on Aug. 20, noted the day’s energy in propelling riders like herself on home soil.
“Having all the Canadian spectators coming out to cheer for us was pretty wild,” Batty said, “and helped me have a burst of energy toward the end. I’m not starting quite as hard as the rest, but making sure I’m still in contention position. I’ve always been a strong finisher in races.”
In overall standings with one World Cup race remaining, Langvad continues to hold the lead with 926 points, albeit a lead that has narrowed to just 56 points over Pendrel. Katerina Nash remains in third place with 630 points, while Batty, with her powerful finish, moves from seventh to fourth place with 625 points. Other competitions saw Derek Zandstra, the Canadian men’s champion, finish the elite men’s race in 32nd place, while Peter Disera claimed 14th in the under-23 competition.
