a mountain biking worlds post

Mount Sainte Anne hosted the UCI mountain biking world championships this past weekend.  we'll talk some specifics after the jump.   you can go here to see cyclingnews' take on all the races.

on the men's xc side, Jose Antonio Hermida Ramos of spain beat out Kulhavy of the czech republic, Stander of south africa, Schurter of switzerland, and Absalon of france, in that order.  both Absalon and Schurter had problems throughout the race, but managed to chase back on fairly successfully.  Stander, Kulhavy and Hermida (who was caught up in the same early crash as Absalon) took turns leading the race, which eventually became a battle between the eventual winner and Kulhavy.  Hermida attacked on a climb and held his lead to the finish line.  Geoff Kabush had the host country's (and north america's) best showing with an eighth place on the day.

on the women's side, Maja Wloszczowska of poland bested Kalentieva of russia, Koerber of the us, Pendrel of canada, and Osl of austria, also in that order.  Wloszczowska, a two time silver medal winner, led for most of the race, building up a very safe gap by the time the race hit the last two laps.  she ended up with around 50 seconds on the chasing group of three.  Koerber had a good chance at silver until a crash on a rocky section which turned into a caught pedal, lost her precious time and she was passed by Pendrel.  Later, both were passed by Kalentieva.   Koerber managed to get by Pendrel before the finish line, earning her a second consecutive bronze at worlds.

Sam Hill and Tracy Moseley took the golds in downhill.