Mairipora, Brazil, was the scene of the first-ever Mountain Bike World Cup of the season on Sunday. Four athletes from La Belle Province took part in the elite races. With a 51e and a 60e place respectively, Léandre Bouchard and Victor Verreault said they were happy with their first outing of the World Cup campaign.
Bouchard crossed the finish line 5 minutes 54 seconds behind the winner while his teammate at Foresco Holding Proco RL Pro Team followed 3 minutes later.
The two Quebecers said they were satisfied with the sensations felt, even if they want to offer better performances in their next races.
“My start was a bit average, I had a collision which complicated my task. I was able to finish strong, there were no mechanical glitches, so it was a good race overall. I was hoping for a little better, I’m not yet at the top of my form, but I’m getting back on track. The start of the season is important, we will try to get better results quickly,” indicated Léandre Bouchard in an interview with Sportcom.
“It was a great race, better than all my preparatory races since the start of the season. I had good feelings, the more it progresses, the better I am. I quickly got back to the start. The Brazilian spectators were intense and I imagined that they were encouraging me, that helped me a lot! It’s one of my best results in the World Cup, it’s motivating for the future,” added Verreault.
The other Quebecer in action, Raphaël Auclair, ranked 81e, one lap late. The men’s race was won by American Christopher Blevins. He was accompanied on the podium by the Frenchman Victor Koretzky (+2 seconds) and the Swiss Filippo Colombo (+3 seconds).
On the women’s side, Laurie Arseneault, from Terrebonne, remained between the 38e and the 47e rank throughout the race. She finally finished the event in 46e place, 10 minutes 47 seconds behind the winner, the Swede Jenny Rissveds.
Americans Savilia Blunk (+27 seconds) and Haley Batten (+45 seconds) completed the podium in order.
During the under-23 races held the day before, Zorak Paillé took 11e rank (+3 minutes 15 seconds) in the men’s event while Simon Ruelland finished in 54e place (+1 turn).
The mountain bike World Cup circuit will remain in Brazil for the next one scheduled for April 19 to 21, in Araxa.
“I want to continue to surpass myself and improve starting next weekend. We loved the atmosphere in Brazil in the last few days and we hope that everything will continue in Araxa,” concluded Bouchard.