UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Day 3

Queenstown’s Kate Fluker enjoyed her best finish in 25th in the elite women’s cross country at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Norway.

Fluker, who was eighth at the Commonwealth Games, produced an impressive display after starting in 40th place on the grid from 64 starters.

The 26 year old moved through the field strongly to be 33rd after the first lap, up to 27th on lap two and gradually improve to her finish of 25th.

She beat home Swiss star Esther Suss, who was fifth at the London Olympics, and in touching distance from the likes of Katerina Nash, a medallist three years ago.

“Kate managed to stay on her bike for the whole race which is saying a lot on this track where even the winner opted to run up some of the climbs. It has capped a great season for Kate,” said manager Sam Thompson.

The elite men’s cross country was dominated by Frenchman Julien Absalon, who claimed his fifth title, his first in five years.

Tomorrow’s attention will turn to downhill with New Zealand’s powerful contingent of professionals in excellent form.

National champion George Brannigan was fourth fastest in qualifying yesterday ahead of his fellow Hawkes Bay and Trek World Racing teammate Brook MacDonald in 12th fastest.

The in-form Sam Blenkinsop (Lapierre Gravity Republic) was 13th and Cameron Cole (Commencal Riding Addiction) 22nd fastest.

Other New Zealand gravity riders to qualify for the final run include Rotorua’s Matt Walker and Taranaki brothers Wyn Masters and Edward Masters.

Results:

Elite women crosscountry: Catherine Pendrell (CAN) 1:31.30, 1; Irina Kalentieva (RUS) 1:31.51, 2; Lea Davison (USA) 1:32.13, 3. Also: Kate Fluker (NZL) 1:40.56, 25.

Elite men: Julien Absalon (FRA) 1:27.06, 1; Nino Schurter (SUI) 1:28.57, 2; Marco Fontana (ITA) 1:30.34, 3.