Absalon wins Albstadt cross country World Cup

Image 1 of 22

The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup concluded the spring campaign in Albstadt, Germany, with a record setting win by French legend Julien Absalon (BMC), who became the first rider - male or female - to win 29 cross country World Cups in his career.

Although only in its second year, the Albstadt course has become well known for its multiple steep climbs and fast, narrow descents. Favouring the climbers on the World Cup circuit, it has seen more than one rider start out too hard in the early going, only to crack in the final laps.

Absalon had said earlier in the season that Albstadt was one of his favourite courses, and a priority for him this season, after dropping out last year due to a mechanical while holding a commanding lead. He also was one of three riders using the new Shimano XTR Di2 electronic drivetrain in the first race situation.

He certainly delivered, with a dominating performance for his third win of the season. World champion Nino Schurter (Scott-Odlo) attacked hard on the opening lap, opening a gap that only Absalon could close. The two were joined at the front by Fabian Giger (Giant Pro XC) and Maxime Marotte (BH-Suntour-KMC) on lap two, but Absalon continued to push the pace and Schurter and Marotte were dropped first, with Giger falling off a lap later.

Absalon continued to pull away through the remainder of the race to win by over a minute, but behind Schurter had recovered to move into second with Stephane Tempier (BH-Suntour-KMC). Schurter managed to drop Tempier in the final kilometres to take second, by just five seconds.

"To win here was one of my main goals for the season," said Absalon. "I like very much this track, I like the long steep climb. I was focused on this race and not very happy last week in Nove Mesto because I crashed. The legs felt good (today) and I am in good shape."

"I did my own ride, but it was not easy. Nino always starts fast and I sometimes don't. I keep my own rhythm, no need to go to the red zone, that makes it too hard to finish the race. I did my own race. Even if I was alone in front, it is really steep here, and I was pushing hard all the race to have a good gap. I was thinking all the time about my technical flame out last year, which motivated me."

With three wins in four races, Absalon has a strong lead in the overall World Cup standings, with 890 points to second placed Schurter at 580. Daniel McConnell (Trek Factory Racing) is third with 530 points.

Results