Strauss Gains MTB World Cup Improvement

Mariske Strauss put on another solid performance to claim sixth place in the under-23 women’s race in Nove Mesto in the Czech Republic, continuing her momentum from the previous weekend in Albstadt, Germany where she finished in 8th place.

The second round of the 2013 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup series took place Nove Mesto na Morave, in the Czech Republic at the weekend.

Strauss’s race strategy almost came together. “My plan was to stick with the front group and to dig deeper in the final two laps,” said Strauss.

Being in the lead group of five, Strauss was cut-off by a rider and found herself a little behind the group and had to work hard to close the gap. It all came down to the final lap where Strauss’ efforts were almost rewarded, until she experienced a flat tyre in the last rock-garden section.

“Racing with a flat tyre on the front was tricky and I had a rider right behind me, so I couldn’t take the last corner on tar very fast.” Strauss was pipped on the finish line to sixth place, just over three minutes behind the winner.

Andrea Waldis (SUI) won the U23 women’s race, 44 seconds ahead of Australian Rebecca Henderson with Yana Belomoyna (UKR) finishing third. Also representing South Africa was Candice Neethling, who finished in 18th position.