The 2018 Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup went to its only North American stopover, Mont-Saint-Anne (Canada) at the weekend. The oldest and one of the most legendary stopovers, the Canadian venue hosted Round 6 of both the downhill and cross-country series, and Round 5 of the new XCC short track. The competition opened Friday with the XCC short track for cross-country, the fifth event in this new series of 20-minute short course races for the top 40 Elite women and men. Annika Langvad (Specialized), took her fourth win in the women's category, while Sam Gaze (Specialized) took his second win in the men's. On Saturday, the focus turned to downhill, with UCI World Cup leader Rachel Atherton (Trek Factory) extending her lead in the women's series by beating rival Tahnee Seagrave (Transition Bikes MUC-Off). Atherton padded her lead over Seagrave and now is 110 points ahead going into the final round. Men's UCI World Cup leader Amaury Pierron (Commencal/Vallnord) could only manage fourth, but it was enough to lock up the title for him. UCI World Champion Loic Bruni (Specialized) took the win ahead of Troy Brosnan (Canyon Factory).
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Racing concluded on Sunday with the cross-country, on Mont-Ste-Anne’s traditionally difficult circuit and in strength-sapping heat. UCI World Champion and World Cup leader Jolanda Neff (Kross Racing) rode away from the field to take her second win of the season, ahead of Annika Langvad (Specialized) and Emily Batty (Trek Factory). Neff now leads Langvad by 142 points going into the final round. The men's race saw multiple lead changes, as riders lost spots to crashes and mechanical problems. World Cup leader Nino Schurter (Scott-SRAM) broke his chain while in the lead and could only manage seventh, but it was enough to assure him the overall title, his sixth. Fellow Swiss rider Mathias Flueckiger (Thomus RN Racing) took the win.
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La Bresse, FRA, XCO World Cup #7 / DHI World Cup #7 > August 24-26
Mathias Flückiger (Thomus RN Racing) finally won the first Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup of his career this season at Round 6 in Mont-Ste-Anne, Canada. He also became the Swiss national champion, and has finished third in two XCC events. While he has had numerous World Cup podiums over the past few years, this is the first time he has stood on the top step. Mont-Ste-Anne appears to suit his style, since he won the Under-23 world title here in 2010.
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