Zakelj wins her first World Cup cross country in Nove Mesto

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A first time World Cup winner also became a first time World Cup overall leader in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic, for round 2. Tanja Zakelj (Unior Tools) became the first-ever Slovenian rider to win a World Cup, with a strong performance in which she rode clear of some of the top women in the world.

The Slovenian rider finished just ahead of Maja Wloszczowska (Giant Pro XC) while Catharine Pendrel (Luna) rode in solo for third place. Alexandra Engen (Ghost) and Eva Lechner (Colnago Sudtirol) completed podium.

"It feels amazing," said Zakelj. "I know what I achieved today was special."

Like last week, Engen set a fast pace from the start of the five-lap race. She was joined at the front by Wloszczowska and Albstadt World Cup winner Lechner. Zakelj and Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Multivan Merida) followed closely behind.

Pendrel wasn't quite as fast off the start, but soon worked her way to the front of the race while Dahle Flesjaa lost ground..

Engen was dropped by the other four, who stayed together until the fourth lap of the five-lap race, when Lechner flatted. The Italian had a quick wheel change in the tech zone, but was caught by Engen, who eventually beat her for fourth.

On the same penultimate lap, Zakjl pushed the pace and created a separation that gapped Pendrel and Lechner. Her effort was enough to also gap Wloszczowska, who chased solo in second place and it looked like Zakejl might have made the race-winning move. However, she crashed on a technical downhill and lost enough time that Wloszczowska rejoined her at the front.

"I felt adrenaline in the last two laps. It was so tough. I was making so many technical mistakes. I'd never been in this position before," said Zakelj.

"I had problems to stay with the leading group for the first few laps, but I stayed focussed and knew that on fourth lap I would make an attack," said Zakelj "I just rode my race and didn't worry about Maja's race. I thought she might try to pass me on the climbs, but I guess I was strong enough to stay in front."

The two leaders stayed together until the final meters. Zakelj seemed slightly stronger but Wloszczowska hung tough and the two appeared to be set up for a sprint finish when Wloszczowska, in second, slid out on the final corner.

"I was waiting for the sprint, but Maja crashed, so I was able to achieve this awesome victory," said Zakelj, who rode on for the win while Wloszczowska finished in second place shortly thereafter. Pendrel rode the later part of the race on her own to finish in third.

Engen had a strong finish and moved back up into the top five.

Zakelj and Wloszczowska are tied atop the standings with 400 points each; Zakelj gets the lead due to her win, with Lechner 10 points behind.

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