For the first time in 17 years, the MTB World Cup was held in Petrópolis, Brazil, in April 2022, and the XC fans celebrated. Around 35,000 tickets went over the counter. The atmosphere on the race weekend was correspondingly fiery. And the 4.5-kilometre course through the Brazilian jungle had it all. Jumps, drops and steep climbs demanded a lot from the riders.
Short track on Friday
The short track was hot right away. Local Hero Henrique Avancini led the race for the most part. However, he was unable to shake off the chasing group. In the end, his team-mate Alan Hatherly from South Africa won the race by sprinting past Thomas Litscher in the final metres. The finish was more than close. Only five seconds separated the fastest seven riders.
The women's competition was similarly exciting. Pauline Ferrand-Prévotwho retired early from last season in order to reorganise herself, won the short track opener in Brazil. The Frenchwoman overtook Evie Richards on the final climb and secured victory. Young Laura Stigger finished just one second behind Ferrand-Prévot. Just behind her, Evie Richards came third. A successful start, which gives an indication that the upcoming season will be really exciting.
Nino Schurter grabs the most World Cup victories ever!
The exceptional Swiss rider equalled Julien Absalon's record for the most World Cup victories. In Petrópolis, Nino Schurter stood at the top of the World Cup podium for the 33rd time. In a dramatic final sprint, he came out on top against the Frenchman Maxime Marotte. Vlad Dascalu can be pleased with his strong third place, considering that he had to start a real chase from the third row to catch up with the leading group.
Rebecca McConnell wins the women's XCO
The two favourites Jolanda Neff and Evie Richards were unable to compete in the main race on Sunday due to an infection. The cards were reshuffled and Australian Rebecca McConnell sensed her chance. After three second places, her time had come to climb to the top of the World Cup podium. But at first it didn't look like McConnell was going to win.
Top rider Loana Lecomte led the field from lap one. But it was hot and the race lasted almost 90 minutes. Under these circumstances, McConnell felt comfortable and started a chase together with Dutch rider Anne Terpstra. With success. In the end, the Australian won the race. Anne Tepstra finished in second place and 2021 World Cup winner Loana Lecomte in third. Fourth place went to the Austrian Laura Stigger.
