Mountain bikers racing in the UCI World Cup were greeted with a tough, steep climb in Leogang, Austria, that they had to pedal up multiple times for the short-track cross-country races.
After crashing at the last World Cup stop in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, Durangoan Riley Amos (Trek Factory Racing) showed what he was capable of on Thursday and nearly won the U23 men’s short track race.
Amos finished in second place in 19 minutes and 6 seconds, crossing just two seconds after the winner, France’s Adrien Boichis (Trinity Racing MTB).
“Having a blast messing around on this track,” Amos posted on Friday. “Confidence and legs are back after last night, feeling ready to go for Sunday.”
The cross-country Olympics races will be held on Sunday, and Amos will have a good starting position after his runner-up finish.
In the U23 women’s race, Bailey Cioppa (Bear National Team) finished just outside the top half, placing 22nd in 20:01. Ronja Blochlinger (LIV Factory Racing) of Switzerland took the win in 18:30.
“Made my appearance near the front group for about one lap, hoping my climbing legs show up for Sunday XCO,” Cioppa said.
Two other Durango U23 riders are also in Legoang. Lauren Aggeler (Trinity Racing) will join Cioppa in the women’s XCO. Carson Beard (Durango Segment 28) will join Amos in the U23 men’s XCO.
The sustained steep climb proved to be the decider in both the elite men’s and elite women’s races.
In the five-lap women’s race, Pauline Ferrand Pervot (INEOS Grenadiers) of France took the lead on the climb and held it for the win in 20:37.
Savilia Blunk (Rockrider Ford Racing Team) finished 26th on the climber’s course in 22:09.
In the men’s elite race, Christopher Blevins (Specialized Factory Racing) crossed 23rd in 21:47.
Jordan Sarrou (Team BMC) of France took the win in 21:08.
