News
World Champs Long Final
Posted: 23/08/11
Another hot day, the hottest so far with temperatures in the low 40's. Fortunately the terrain was a little more forested than yesterday so there were more opportunities to seek the shade, which was not much cooler!
The Womens final course was 27.5km/750m climb optimum route, which turned out to be more like 34km and 900m climb.
Emily Benham was top finisher, 20th in 2h18, despite suffering two crashes and subsequent shoulder and shin injuries. Emily says 'I was so happy to reach the finish especially as I lost 5 minutes with my crash in the final part of the course, after that it was all I could do cross the line, everything hurt and nothing was for free in this race! My main focus for the week are the middle and sprint races on Thurs and Sat, so I look forward to being able to bike faster over a shorter distance!'.
Lucy Harris finished in 35th in 2h40, a personal best result in any discipline at WOC. Lucy made a few route choice mistakes, but picked up some places in the controls nearer the finish. Lucy says 'I was pleased with how I was riding and I am getting more confident with how the tracks are mapped and what they look like in the terrain'.
Chris BB suffered mechanical before the race began and was unable to fix it in order to start. Ifor Powell completed the Mens B Final course, but unfortunately mispunched at the drinks control.