Stirnemann wins eliminator at Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup

On Switzerland's national day, Swiss rider Kathrin Stirnemann (Sabine Spitz Haibike) celebrated by winning the fourth round of the eliminator World Cup in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec in Canada. Stirnemann also took the leaders jersey in the absence of former leader Alexandra Engen (Ghost Factory), who did not race.

Surprisingly, this was the first time that Mont-Sainte-Anne had hosted an eliminator and, in true MSA fashion, they made it tough, with a long opening climb, BMX descent and then a pumptrack section before the sprint to the finish.

Stirnemann was clearly the strongest, qualifying fastest and winning both of her heats on the way to the final. Jenny Rissveds (Scott -Odlo), after qualifying second did the same on the other side of the draw. Lisa Mitterbauer (Feenstra Felt p/b Kenda) and local Canadian hope Andreane Lanthier-Nadeau (Rocky Mountain) were the other two riders to make up the final heat.

Stirnemann rode from the front to win solo, with enough time over Rissveds to roll across the line with her arms in the air. Mitterbauer took third.

"I just felt great the whole day, and already in the morning it was good," said Stirnemann. "I think the start was the most important part here. I got the hole shot and made it to the finish, so I'm super happy to take the win. It was perfect to get the jersey today. It's sad to miss Alex, so I hope she will get well."

Stirnemann now leads the standings with 185 points, followed by Engen at 160 and Rissveds at 100.

Elite women eliminator