July 9/11 10:59 am - Windham World Cup: U23 Men report and results

Posted by Editoress on 07/9/11
 

Kerschbaumer Cruises to Victory at Windham World Cup

Series leader Gerhard Kerschbaumer (TX Active Bianchi) continued his supremacy of the Under 23 Men's World Cup cross-country with a convincing win at the fifth round in Windham, New York. Kerschbaumer rode away from second place finisher Matthias Stirnemann (Thoemus Racing) during the fourth of the five laps to cruise home with 59 second margin of victory in a time of 1:23:24.  Third place was Sebastien Carabin (Versluys-Evenza), who was 1:36 behind the winner.

With 700 feet of climbing per lap it was a course that clearly favoured those who liked the vertical, but flat tires also played a role. With a high speed descent, sharp rocks claimed tires on Marek Konwa (tenth), and Fabien Canal (seventh).  Both were ranked in the top five overall, but had to fight back after dropping many places.

Top North American was Evan McNeely of Canada in eighth, 3:54 behind the winner. Other Canadian results included Mitch Bailey in 14th, Jeremy Martin in 18th, Leandre Bouchard in 20th. Top US rider was Stephen Ettinger in 16th place. McNeely was very pleased with his result and is looking forward to the Canadian Nationals next weekend in Canmore. “I was much better prepared this week. The climbing on this course suited me well. It's very similar to Canmore with all of the vertical. The Nationals should be a good one.”