06.18.08 - Sixth place finishes for Canadian riders at mountain bike worlds

VAL DI SOLE, Italy – Emily Batty of Brooklyn, Ont., and Bianca Adolf of Vancouver both posted sixth place finishes in their respective cross country races on Wednesday at the world mountain bike championships.

In the women’s under-23 race, Tanja Zakelj of Slovenia took the gold clocking one hour and 35 minutes and 31 seconds over 23.4 kilometres. Nathalie Schneitter of Switzerland was second almost three minutes behind and Aleksandra Dawidowicz of Poland third 3:14 back.

Batty was exactly five minutes back of the winner and less than two minutes from the podium for her second consecutive top-10 finish at the worlds. She was the only Canadian entry.

In the women’s 17.62 kilometre junior race, Laura Abril of Colombia was the winner in 1:16:08 with Barbara Benko of Hungary second at 37 seconds back and Mona Erbeiweiser of Germany in third 2:11 off the pace.

Adolf was more than four minutes off the podium finishing sixth. Leah Kirchmann of Winnipeg was 35th.

Competition continues through to Sunday.