Mountain bike World Cup continues in Europe

The mountain bike World Cup has come north of the equator for round three in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic. A large group of Canadians are racing this weekend, including younger riders hoping to get some valuable experience before the World Cup arrives in North America.

Emily Batty is the top ranked Canadian woman in the World Cup, thanks to a second place finish at round two, in Cairns, Australia. the Trek racer has moved up the start order to the front row, which is critical in getting a good start.

Returning to the World Cup is Catharine Pendrel. The Luna Chix rider skipped the first two World Cup races this year after breaking her collarbone. Now healed up, Pendrel is fresh from a dominant victory at the Mont Tremblant Canada Cup. The Quebec race served as a tuneup ahead of the European races.

Joining Pendrel on the Luna team this year is Maghalie Rochette, who is also racing in Europe.

Scott-3Rox has sent three riders to race the European rounds. The group is headlined by Geoff Kabush, and includes 2013 Canadian champion Derek Zandstra, as well as Mikaela Kofman.

The Czech World Cup is also the first event where points will count towards qualifying Olympic berths for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. To help build experience and with the hope of building points, 13 racers will take part in the World Cup as members of Team Canada. They include:

Felix Belhumeur [junior men] Quebec City
Laura Bietola [under-23 women] Greenwood, Ont.
Léandre Bouchard [under-23 men]  Alma, Que.
Felix Burke [junior men] Mont-Tremblant, Que.
Antoine Caron [under-23 men] Stoneham, Que.
Peter Disera [under-23 men] Barrie, Ont.
Raphaël Gagné [elite men] Québec City
Marine Lewis [junior women] St-Sauveur, Que.
Andréane Lanthier-Nadeau [under-23 women] Quebec City
Jérémy Martin [under-23 men] Boischatel, Que.
Evan McNeely [under-23 men] Kingston, Ont.
Rachel Pageau [under-23 women] Chicoutimi, Que.
Frédérique Trudel [under-23 women] Breakeyville, Que.