MTB World Cup DH 4X #1 - CDM

Vigo, Spain, May 11-13, 2007

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Stage 5 - May 12: 4X Elite women final

Beerten keeps Kitner at bay

By Greg Johnson

Women on the podium celebrate.
Photo ©: Maria Muina

The Netherland's Anneke Beerten played a game of cat and mouse with American Jill Kintner at the opening 4X World Cup round and came out the victor after a mistake from the latter ended Kintner's final shot a sneaking past. Current world champion Kintner was constant in her attacks on Beerten throughout the race, but simply couldn't get by her rival.

"I am very pleased" said Beerten after the win. "I have ridden well all weekend and I love the environment this event is held in. I had a very good exit and then I just enjoyed the rhythm."

Eva Castro Fernandez passes
Photo ©: Maria Muina

Beerten had jumped into the top spot by the first turn and successfully defended the position right down to the line. It was a disappointing end to the weekend for Kintner, who started the weekend on a high note with the fastest time in Friday's qualifying session.

Eva Castro Fernandez, the highest placed Spanish rider, was delighted with her first visit to the World Cup podium, after finishing third in the final.

"I still don't believe it," said Fernandez. "To classify for the final already made me content but this is the maximum thing. The remainder of rivals, they risked too much in the semifinals. I, on the other hand, took a slightly more precautious approach."

After setting the second fastest time in qualifying Austria's Anita Molcik (Team Hotec/Rsp) could only manage fifth place in the finals. One spot ahead of her on the podium was America's Melissa Buhl, who had qualified in sixth position.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Maria Muina

Spain's Eva Castro Fernandez finished third.
Eva Castro Fernandez passes a fallen rider on her way to third place.
The top five from the women's final.
Women on the podium celebrate.

Results

1 Anneke Beerten (Ned) Bikepark.Ch Tui                              
2 Jill Kintner (USA)                                                
3 Eva Castro Fernandez (Spa)                                        
4 Melissa Buhl (USA)                                                
5 Anita Molcik (Aut) Team Hotec / Rsp                               
6 Mio Suemasa (Jpn)                                                 
7 Lucia Oetjen (Swi)                                                
8 Diana Marggraff (Ecu)                                             
9 Elisa Canepa (Ita) Playbiker - Iron Horse                         
DNF Joey Gough (GBr)