Canadian World Cups roundup for 2009…

After a 6 week break from the World cup circuit the boys were set to return for the double in Canada. This is usually an interesting point in the season where the riders can see who is back on form after the break and more importantly who to look out for in a couple of weeks in Canberra where the World Champs will be taking place.

Burry called this his "heart in my mouth" moment going down the infamous Rock Garden in Mount St. Anne

I had been told that the weather is never something to be too excited about in Canada and this unfortunately turned out to be the truth at both events. In mount St Anne it rained for nearly the full duration of the womens race turning the course into a really muddy and technical affair which called for further tyre changes as well.

Susi negotiating the Rock Garden

Susi chasing after his flat tyre

Burry had a great ride finishing on the overall podium again as well as winning the u/23 division and almost wrapping up his World cup title for the season. Christoph was going well but unfortunately burped his tyre twice resulting in a wheel change and putting him inside the top 20.

The following weekend was to be spent about 3 and a half hours away in Bromont for the next round. Most of the team were constantly on their i-phones comparing weather data for the week ahead, the previous year had been an absolute mud bath and as it eventually turned out an hour before the mens race 2009 would be nothing but the same!

Warming up in Bromont

The day began in exciting fashion for the Specialized Factory Racing outfit as Lene Byberg, the female rider on the team took her maiden World Cup win, it had been a long time coming and was a cause for great celebration to finally see her on the top step of the podium.

Celebrating in Style....

As expected the mens racewas a messy affair with many riders not even recognisable at the finish line in their mud covered kit. Burry had a slow start but slowly worked his way up the field to finish in 7th place as well as winning the u/23 division again and moving int3rd position in the overall World Cup rankings. Christoph was having a strong ride until rear brake failure in the form of brake pads that were completely worn through put him into 13th place.