We had an idea that the season opener could be a wild one, but we didn't think it would shake out like this. After a perfect season, we thought the streak might continue. If anyone was going to be the man to end it, we thought Mathieu van der Poel might be that man. He was hungry, fit, and a bit pissed about the way his cross season ended. What we saw instead was a young gun fresh off a U23 world champion title get out front and take it to the champ. It was an impressive feat. Most thought that Nino was toying with Gaze, but when Gaze took the lead back in the final moments of the race, we knew things would be very interesting down the finish straight. What we didn't see coming was the pedal slip during the sprint, and like that the streak was over. It was an incredible way to start off the season. The race in the women's field was nothing short of phenomenal as well. Pauline Ferrand Prevot came out swinging after a long dry spell and duked it out with Annika Langvad who would eventually take the win. Malene Degn took her first World Cup win in the U23 Women and Petter Fagerhaug took his first win of the season for the U23 men.
Previously
Not trying to take away from huge effort and massive talent of Gaze (cheers on the win and shaking things up!), but I do love race-run whips - be it xc, dh, or enduro - it's always refreshing to see the fun of our sport bubble up to the surface in those "serious" moments.
> Perhaps Loic is rubbing off on her.
That's a cheap shot, pinkbike. Don't throw a first-place rider under the bus with an offhand comment like that.
Did her descending or technical skills set her apart from the others this race? Does she train with Loic?
Otherwise makes no sense and really takes away from Malene and her team's efforts
She was talented before being Loic's girlfriend. Honestly let's not go back to "she rides with her brother or her boyfriend". Let's just say "bravo for you first win" and leave it there.
Saw that on Emily FB page... What a shame.
Thanks for pointing it out.
I also think those young Frenchies, Carrod etc are only going to get faster as the season goes on.
About time Nino had some competition.
Although Sam and Anton might be on a decent wicket in terms of pay it's not such a big deal.
How do you slip a pedal when on clips? Maybe Nino should try flats?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=atJ63Eiuj4Q