Henderson wins U23 women's cross country in Albstadt

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Unlike earlier in the week, when rain kept the course wet and slippery, Saturday brought blue skies and sun, quickly drying out much of the course. Australian champion Rebecca Henderson (Trek Factory) decided to start the four-lap under 23 women's race a little cautiously, holding back in fourth place until late in the first lap, when she began to move up. On the second lap, she took the lead and never relinquished it.

Jenny Rissveds (Sweden), after an early crash, moved up through the field into third by the start of the last lap, and then passed Yana Belomoyna (Superior Brentjens MTB) in the final lap to take second, with Belomoyna holding on to third.

"In the beginning, I felt like I was under a lot of pressure," said Henderson, "because straightaway on the first climb, they put a lot of pressure on, and it was quicker then I wanted. So I just sat back in about fourth, and then on the second climb of the first lap I decided to come strong and before I knew it I was sitting second wheel with the leader."

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"Everything just went perfectly. It's unbelievable. My goal this year was to win a World Cup; I never thought it would be the opening round. It's a privilege to wear the leader's jersey."

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