01.23.11 - NATASHA ELLIOT POSTS CANADA’S TOP RESULT AT CYCLO-CROSS WORLD CUP

Canadians taking part in World Cup event as part of preparations for Cyclo-cross Worlds

January 23, 2011 - The last World Cup stop of the 2011 UCI Cyclo-Cross season was held today in Hoogerheide, Netherlands, as the top cyclo-cross specialists from around the world are fine-tuning their performances before the 2011 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships held next weekend in St. Wendel, Germany.

Canada had a crew of six cyclists entered in this World Cup event, all of whom will be competing at the World Championships next weekend.

Natasha Elliott of St. Andrews, ON was the only Canadian in the women’s elite category. She went on to place 26th with a time deficit of 4m26s on the winner, American Katerine Compton who posted a time of 40m59s.

“I am very happy overall with the result,” commented Elliott. “I definitely felt I was racing hard. It feels good heading to Worlds next week to know that the legs are good. I just need a little fine tuning now.”

In the men’s elite race, Derrick St-John St. Andrews, ON, finished the race in 55th position, while Craig Richey of Smithers, BC, came in 56th.

In the Men’s junior racing, Canada’ s Karl Hoppner of Carp, ON posted the top Canadian result with a 34th place as he crossed the finish line 3m27s after Belgium’s Laurens Sweeck, the winner.

Hoppner was satisfied with his result: “It’s a good result to have before the week before World championships. I'll be going to Germany with confidence. Today, the conditions were soft, and not too slippery. It’s definitely hard on the legs.”

Yohan Patry of St-Jérome, QC finished the gruelling race placed 45th, while Benjamin Perry of St. Catharines, ON, crossed the line in 51st position.

Full results can be found here: http://www.uci.ch/templates/BUILTIN-NOFRAMES/Template3/layout.asp?MenuId=MTU5OTQ&LangId=1

Cyclo-cross races last approximately one hour. Races are held on technical and hilly circuits of 2.5-3.5 km. Cyclo-cross provides a real education in cycling as it requires accomplished bike handling skills and unfailing physical fitness. Competitors have to carry their bikes over some sections.

Benjamin Perry and Yohan Patry	Karl Hoppner
Natasha Elliott	Natasha Elliott