New Zealand’s Anton Cooper and Sam Gaze win gold and silver in men’s XCO at Commonwealth Games

New Zealand finished in gold and silver in the men’s cross country mountain bike race at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Nineteen-year-old Anton Cooper won gold in a last solo effort on the closing lap, breaking free of teammate Sam Gaze.

Gaze was able to chase Cooper, crossing just three seconds back for a silver medal result.

Dan McConnell of Australia faced strong expectations, coming into the race ranked fourth in the UCI points. McConnell appeared to be in charge for most of the race, heading up the lead group until the closing lap, when Cooper and then Gaze passed him coming into the finish. McConnell claimed the final medal spot, 10 seconds back from Cooper.

For much of the race, Canadian Max Plaxton rode with the top three finishers. However, Plaxton appeared to have back problems, stretching each lap. Losing time on climbs, Plaxton rode well through the technical sections to help close the gap. When the front three attacked in the closing lap, the increased pace was too much for the Cannondale rider, who finished fourth, 23 second back from the winner.

Fellow Canadian Raphael Gagne finished seventh overall.

The men’s race took place following the women’s race Tuesday morning, when Catharine Pendrel and Emily Batty earned gold and silver medals for Canada.