The 2022 UCI mountain bike world championships concluded Sunday in France with the cross-country Olympic championships, and four cyclists from Durango battled for the gold.
Savilia Blunk and Christopher Blevins both competed in the elite championships but had mixed results.
Blunk had a strong race and was 13th out of 71 riders in the women’s elite championship, finishing 5:46 after the winner, Pauline Ferrand Prevot of France (1:22:08).
“Lucky No. 13 at my first elite worlds,” Blunk posted. “I’m stoked and super proud of this one.”
Blevins, meanwhile, fought for the gold Friday in the short-track race, but crashed hard trying to pass Sam Gaze just before the finish.
“The BMX kid in me knew I had to go for the win in the last corner, even if it meant risking the race,” Blevins posted. “At a certain point around the grass I had committed, and if I had been just a tire length more ahead through the rocks, I think I would’ve had that pass. But that’s the roll of the dice we call racing sometimes.”
Blevins then lined up for the cross-country Olympic championship on Sunday, but did not finish.
“I for sure bumped my head Friday, but the team and I felt good about giving it a go on Sunday after passing concussion tests,” Blevins posted. “But leave it to those chain saws and horns on course to point out noise sensitivity and trigger a headache. I know when it comes to the brain, you pull the pin right away if things don’t feel normal. We’re thinking this is just a mild concussion, and I’m feeling better today already.”
Nino Schurter of Switzerland won the title while Spain’s David Valero Serrano and Italy’s Luca Braidot also reached the podium. Jolanda Neff of Switzerland and Haley Batten of the USA joined Prevot on the women’s podium.
Riley Amos, who also had to recover after breaking his collar bone just before the national championships in July, proved he was ready to compete and finished eighth in the U23 men’s world championship.
“So pumped to go top 10 with (Bjorn Riley) today in u23 world champs in France,” Amos posted, referring to fellow American, and fifth-place finisher, Riley. “I don’t think I could have raced any better today with a perfect start, no major mistakes, and pacing that I was always on but never over the limit. 4.5 weeks post surgery with the work that’s been done I’m thrilled.”
Simone Avondetto of Italy won the title in 1:10:35 while Riley finished 1:36 later and Amos crossed +2:06.
Ruth Holcomb also raced in the U23 championship and finished 42nd out of 57 riders in the women’s race. She finished 12:26 after the winner, Line Burquier of France.
“Always special to line up at World Champs for (USA Cycling),” Holcomb posted. “Not the result I wanted but gave it 100% out there and still had so many positives to take away. Ready for World Cup finals this weekend at (Val di Sole, Italy).”
