Terpstra takes first-ever Dutch women's victory at World Cup in Vallnord
08 July 2019 07:25
Anne Terpstra (Ghost Factory) took an historic first-ever women's cross-country World Cup victory for a Dutch rider on Sunday, in Vallnord, Andorra. Despite struggling with the 2,000 metre altitude, world champion Kate Courtney (Scott-SRAM) managed to retain her lead in the overall standings. Hot, dry and dusty conditions added to the difficulty of this extremely demanding circuit, with rough descents causing numerous crashes, and steep climbs made worse by the thin air. Altitude was a huge factor, with most of the early leaders fading in the second half of the six-lap race.ADVERTISEMENT Courtney and Italian champion Eva Lechner took the lead on the first climb, joined by Sina Frei (Ghost Factory), Anna Tauber (CST Sandd Bafang), Pauline Ferrand Prevot (Canyon Factory) and Catharine Pendrel (Clif Pro). Jolanda Neff (Trek Factory) had a slow start, dropping to more than 40 seconds back in the first few laps. Pendrel moved into the lead on the steep 'Wall' climb, joined by Frei and Ferrand Prevot on lap 2, and then gradually by Terpstra and other riders, including Neff, who was riding herself back into contention. As the early leaders faded off the podium, Terpstra moved into the lead, and was caught by Neff on the fifth lap. Behind, Yana Belomoina (CST Sandd Bafang) was riding her way into third and Olympic champion Jenny Rissveds (Sweden), in only her second World Cup since the Olympics, moved up to fifth. Also riding well at altitude was Mexico's Daniela Campuzano, eventually finishing fourth in her first World Cup podium.
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