September 22/07 9:40 am - Beijing Mountain Bike Test Event

Posted by Editor on 09/22/07
 

Beijing Mountain Bike Test Event

The test event on the Beijing Olympic mountain bike course took place today at the Laoshan Mountain Bike Centre. Two Canadian women participated - Catharine Pendrel and Kiara Bisaro. Pendrel finished seventh after riding as high as fifth, while Bisaro crashed on the third lap and pulled out. Max Plaxton was scheduled to compete in the men's race but cancelled after illness at the World Cup Final in Maribor last weekend.

Catharine Pendrel: "Fun and challenging course with lots of ups and downs. I got some hot and cold sensations with the heat (it was 29c) and had a variable energy level through the race. Felt strong on the last lap. I had some saddle problems (wouldn't stay tight) in the second half of the race and had to stop to fix it. I'm very happy with the race. I can definitely see myself coming here next year to perform, and being here is giving me so much motivation. Hi to my mom, dad and Keith!"

Kiara had a massive crash with about 1.5 kilometres to go in the third lap. "I hit a tree with my bars on a really fast descent and flew through the air over the tape and landed on my back. I am fine mostly but when I got on my bike to go I could not pedal." Kiara will be oka,y but has big bruises on her legs.