Leov and Jonnier claim final South Island Cup wins

Justin Leov and Sabrina Jonnier claimed the final rounds of the New Zealand South Island mountain bike cups in Blenheim last weekend.

In the men's race, Leov defeated the winner of the previous round Danny Hart while Sam Blenkinsopclaimed third.

"My run didn't feel like a normal race run, I felt really unfit but when I got to the bottom my time was pretty good and I ended up winning," Leov said.

In the elite women's race, two-time downhill world champion Sabrina Jonnier of France won with local rider Harriet Harper taking second. Harper enjoyed the weekend of racing and was happy to host the large number of downhill racers on her home track while Harriet Ruecknagel of Germany placed third.

"It's great to see everyone enjoying the track, there aren't many of us who ride in Blenheim so it's awesome to have lots of people to ride with on home ground," Harper said.

This was the final race in the series of three comprising the South Island Downhill Cup, and the last event of the New Zealand MTB Cup. Riders will head to Nelson for the National Mountain Bike Championships from February 26 to March 1 during which downhill, cross country, dual slalom, hill climb, short track and 4X titles will be awarded.

See Cyclingnews' full coverage of the South Island Downhill Cup round three.