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MTB world championships - CM
Rotorua, New Zealand, August 22-27, 2006
Photography
Race 14 - August 27: Elite men cross-country,
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- The men in the blocks.
- Fredrik Kessiakoff (Sweden) was at the front from the first climb.
- Christoph Sauser (Swizterland) leads evental winner Julien Absalon (France) on the first climb.
- Kashi Leuchs did the home nation proud to take 16th.
- Chris Jongewaard (Australia) was up the front early but faded.
- Martino Fruet (Italy) also started hard.
- Taberlay was the best placed Aussie by race-end.
- Delacour climbing without a front tyre.
- Matthieu Tolouse (Canada) working through the rock garden.
- Leuchs tripoding down the rock garden.
- Filip Meirhaeghe (Belgium) is well and truly back in the game after serving a doping ban.
- Liam Killeen took tenth place to be best Brit.
- Taberlay looking awkward.
- Brent Miller (Australia) at the end of the rock garden.
- Murray Spink (Australia) getting loose.
- Christophe Sauser (Switzerland) on the hunt.
- Ralf Naf made it two Swiss in the top four.
- An awesome ride by Leonardo Paez Leon saw the Colombian take out fifth.
- Seasoned pro Bart Brentjens took 11th for Holland.
- Jongewaard looking strong but slipping back through the field.
- Kessiakoff with one lap to go smiling - is that a smile?
- Paez Leon holding down fifth.
- Spanish rider Marti Gispert Labarta came through 15th in the end.
- Consistent performer Roel Paulissen took home a solid 12th for Belgium
- Former world champion Dario Acquaroli (Italy) had fun on his way to 29th.
- Geoff Kabush won the Oceania title race here earlier this year but was well off the pace today.
- Julien Absalon with 800 metres to race taking no chances - doing the number 1 plate proud.
- Sauser conceded defeat in the second half of the last lap.
- Absalon is congratulated after his win.
- Jongewaard said as soon as he finished “I don’t want to play anymore”
- Taberlay after the finish with Jongewaard.
- Jongewaard getting re-hydrated.
- American juniors keeping it real.
- Guess who’s happy to see Absalon take a third world title?
- Kessiakoff furrowing the brow as Absalon’s French flag flies above the Swiss and Swedish.
- Yep, I’m the man - Absalon.
- The three medal getters.
- …and again.
Images by Paul Bryant
- Sid Taberlay (Australia) nearing the top of the climb
- Perren Delacour (Australia) had a shocker of a first climb, losing his front tyre
Images by Robert Kilvington
- Julien Absalon (France)
- Kashi Leuchs (New Zealand)
- Jean Christophe Peraud (France) leads Florian Vogel (Switzerland)
- Christophe Sauser (Switzerland)
- Seamus McGrath (Canada)
- Sid Taberlay (Australia)
- Julien Absalon (France) climbs
- Bart Brentjens (Netherlands)
- Christophe Sauser (Switzerland)
- Chris Jongewaard (Australia)
- Chris Jongewaard (Australia)
- Hector Paez Leon (Colombia)
- Jeremiah Bishop (USA)
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Oliver Beckingsale (Great Britain) rode well (top 5) for the first 5 laps.
- Julien Absalon (France) salutes the crowd.
- The podium : Christoph Sauser, Julien Absalon, Fredrik Kessiakoff.
- The podium : Christoph Sauser, Julien Absalon, Fredrik Kessiakoff.
- Julien Absalon (France) charging on the climb.
- The men's field strung out along the track.
- Christoph Sauser (Switzerland) chases.
- Absalon and Sauser climb.
- Sauser and Absalon chasing Kessiakoff and Naf.
- Roel Paulissen (Belgium) and Florian Vogel (Switzerland).
- Fredrik Kessiakoff (Sweden).
- Hector Leonardo Paez Leon (Colombia) had a great ride to finish fifth..
- Kessiakoff chasing.
- Jeremiah Bishop (USA) would be the first American to break the top 10 since 1995!.
- Bart Brentjens (Netherlands).
- Jeremiah Bishop (USA) leads Thomas Frischknecht (Switzerland) and Peter Riis Andersen (Denmark).
- Jean Christophe Peraud (France).
- Liam Killeen (Great Britain) and Ryan Trebon (USA).
- Ryan Trebon (USA).
- Oliver Beckingsale (Great Britain) rode well (top 5) for the first 5 laps.
- Johann Pallhuber (Italy).
- Jader Zoli (Italy).
- Marti Gispert Labarta (Spain).
- Adam Craig (USA).
- Kashi Leuchs (New Zealand).
- Christoph Sauser (Switzerland).
- Seamus McGrath (Canada) , Todd Wells (USA), Barry Wicks (USA).
- Todd Wells and Barry Wicks (USA).
- Julien Absalon (France)
- Fredrik Kessiakoff (Sweden).
- Oliver Beckingsale (Great Britain).
- Ralph Näf (Switzerland).
- Jeremiah Bishop (USA).
- Jeremiah Bishop (USA).
- Filip Meirhaeghe (Belgium) and Thomas Frischknecht (Switzerland).
- Thomas Frischknecht (Switzerland).
- Filip Meirhaeghe (Belgium).
- Carlos Coloma Nicolas (Spain).
- Marti Gispert Labarta (Spain).
- Roel Paulissen (Belgium).
- Moritz Milatz (Germany).
- Bas Peters (Netherlands).
- Karl Platt (Germany).
- Liam Killeen (Great Britain).
- Alban Lakata (Austria).
- Liam Killeen (Great Britain).
- Barry Wicks (USA) and Seamus McGrath (Canada).
- Ricky Federau (Canada).
- Geoff Kabush (Canada).
- Barry Wicks (USA).
- Michael Broderick (USA).
- Adam Craig (USA).
- Mathieu Toulouse (Canada).
- Seamus Mcgrath.
- Ricky Federau (Canada).
- Michael Broderick (USA).
- Christoph Sauser (Switzerland).
- Ralph Näf (Switzerland).
- Oliver Beckingsale (Great Britain).
- Florian Vogel (Switzerland) and Jean Christophe Peraud (France).
- Justice Makhale (Republic of South Africa).
- Julien Absalon.
- Christoph Sauser.
- Fredrik Kessiakoff (Sweden).
- Oliver Beckingsale (Great Britain).
- Filip Meirhaeghe (Belgium).
- Bart Brentjens (Netherlands).
- Marti Gispert Labarta (Spain).
- Kashi Leuchs (New Zealand).
- Liam Killeen (Great Britain).
- Adam Craig (USA).
- Absalon and Sauser battled until the final lap.
- Geoff Kabush (Canada).
- Julien Absalon (France) claims his win!.
Race 13 - August 27: Elite women cross-country,
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- The Women's start
- Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway) & Margarita Fullana Riera (Spain) together in the early action.
- Marie-Helene Premont (Canada)
- Sabine Spitz (Germany) & Rosara Joseph (New Zealand)
- Rosara Joseph (New Zealand)
- Jingjing Wang (Peoples Republic of China)
- Mary McConneloug (USA) & Blaza Klemencic (Slovenia) - McConneloug would be the best US finisher, in sixth
- Maria Ostergren (Sweden)
- Dara Marks (USA)
- Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway)
- Wendy Simms (Canada)
- Catherine Pendrel (Canada)
- Georgia Gould (United States of America)
- Irina Kalentieva (Russian Federation)
- Susan Haywood (USA)
- Marie-Helene Premont (Canada)
- Marie-Helene Premont (Canada) & Irina Kalentieva (Russian Federation) in the early battle for silver
- Marie-Helene Premont (Canada)
- Margarita Fullana Riera (Spain)
- Margarita Fullana Riera (Spain)
- Alison Sydor (Canada)
- Dara Marks (USA)
- Maja Wloszczowska (Poland)
- Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway)
- Alison Sydor (Canada)
- Shonny Vanlandingham (USA)
- Maria Ostergren (Sweden)
- Kiara Bisaro (Canada)
- Catherine Pendrel (Canada)
- Mary McConneloug (USA)
- Heather Irmiger (USA)
- Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway)
- Willow Koerber (USA)
- Marie-Helene Premont
- Margarita Fullana Riera (Spain)
- Kiara Bisaro (Canada)
- Alison Sydor (Canada)
- Georgia Gould (USA)
- Mary McConneloug (USA)
- Willow Koerber (USA)
- Ivonne Kraft (Germany)
- Georgia Gould (USA)
- Mary McConneloug (USA)
- Irina Kalentieva (Russian Federation) - couldn't reel in Dahle-Flesjaa, but delivered a strong second place.
- Alison Sydor (Canada) - the 94-96 world champion.
- Margarita Fullana Riera (Spain)
- Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway) scores XC World Championship #3
- Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa salutes the crowd
- .... and then catches her breath!
- The flying of the flags
- The podium - Irina Kalentieva (Russia, 2nd), Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway, 1st), Marie-Helene Premont (Canada, 3rd)
- Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa
- Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa
- Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa
- Marie-Helene Premont (Canada) - looking pretty happy with third.
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- Some winning legs - belong to Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway).
- Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway) getting emotional.
- Kissing yet another gold hello.
- A happy trio with Kelentieva and Premont flanking the winner.
- "Just checking this isn't chocolate!"
Images by Robert Kilvington
- Irina Kalentieva (Russian Federation) kisses her bike after taking seecond
- Margarita Fullana Riera (Spain) on the way to fifth place
- Marie-Helene Premont (Canada)
- Marie-Helene Premont (Canada)
- Petra Henzi (Switzerland) leads Rosara Joseph (New Zealand)
- Sonia Foote (New Zealand)
- Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway)
- Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway)
- Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway)
- Irina Kalentieva (Russian Federation)
- Irina Kalentieva (Russian Federation) celebrates
Race 12 - August 27: Elite men trials,
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- Marc Caisso (France) ended up fourth.
- Peter Bartak (Czech Republic) getting into some rock climbing.
- Carles Diaz Codina (Spain) staring down the course.
- 6th placed Daniel Comas Riera (Spain) approaching the course.
- Riera disputes a call that his bike left the course.
- Riera asking the crowd what they thought (they agreed!)
- Marco Hosel showing the form that won him the gold.
- Codina’s score board.
- Hosel in the box about to start.
- Three times World Champion Benito Ros Charral
- Charral disputes a call with the commissaire.
- Coming down to land.
- Sebastian Hoffman (Germany) dropping in off some pipes.
- …and hopping up again.
- Codina working his way into second.
- Codina psyching himself up…
- …and winding himself up.
- Not the top step for Charral today - bronze.
- Hosel does his Lance Armstrong impression on the podium.
- One big happy family.
- One of the trials sections.
- …and another.
- Kenny Belaey getting focused.
- Kenny Belaey stepping it up.
- Mid-manoeuvre.
- Vincent Hermance was the closest to Kenny.
- Hermance, Belaey and Coustellier on the podium.
- Hermance doing his thing.
- Kenny in the final zone.
- One dab away from throwing it away.
- Half-way through the final zone.
- …in the bay.
- Belgian and proud.
- The French team took out the team’s competition.
Race 11 - August 26: Elite men downhill,
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- Nathan Rennie (Australia) keeping it under control.
- Jared Rando (Australia) does the same.
- Greg Minaar (South Africa) tries a few lines.
- Peat loses his line and heads off piste.
- John Kirkcaldie (NZ) with his eye on the prize in his swansong event.
- Mick Hannah leads fellow Aussie Amiel Cavalier
- Cedric Gracia (France) acknowledges the crowd after flipping onto his butt after a manual went wrong.
- Rennie winding it up and getting faster.
- Minaar turning it up and finding the edges of the course.
- Sam Hill (Australia) cruising along.
Images by Kristine Seeto
- The fastest rider Nathan Rennie (Australia).
- Cedric Gracia.
- Chris Kovarik.
- Dan Atherton.
- Bryn Atkinson.
- Amiel Cavalier.
- Adam Vagner.
- Steve Peat (Great Britain) second fastest.
- Sam Hill.
- Gee Atherton.
- Mick Hannah.
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- Steve Peat (Britain) looking more comfortable on the bike than in a skinsuit but fast as you want slotting into second spot 0.35 seconds behind Rennie.
- Sam Hill (Australia) will go off sixth last on Saturday.
- Mick Hannah (Australia) finishing off a stellar season qualifying 5th.
- Fastest on the day Nathan Rennie (Australia) despite freewheeling down the finish straight - making it a Santa Cruz 1-2.
- Cedric Gracia (France) always stylish, just outside the top ten.
- Ex World Champ Greg Minaar (South Africa) slotted into third.
- Filip Polc (Slovakia) came down with a bit of bunting.
- South African Andrew Neethling looked quick but was just outside the top 30.
- Justin Leov representing the host country slotting into 14th.
- Bryn Atkinson (Australia) low and yellow.
- Nathan Rankin very low in the last corner was 17th.
- 2005 World Champion Amiel Cavalier making a smooth transition to the elite category seeding 16th.
- Michael Marosi (Czechoslovakia).
- In his swansong race, John Kirkcaldie has the fire in his eyes on home soil.
- Naoki Idegawa (Japan).
- Justin Havukainen put his US passport to good use qualifying with the US team rather than the Aussie team.
- Cole Bangert (USA) looking focused on his way to 21st.
- German Daniel Auerswald sweeping into the finish straight.
- Dan Atherton (Great Britain) getting his lines down in practice.
- Cole Bangert (USA) looking fast.
- Nathan Rankin (New Zealand) had a better morning than afternoon.
- Jared Rando (Australia).
- Oscar Saiz Castane from Spain.
- Amiel Cavalier (Australia) in his first year senior year.
- Bryn Atkinson (Australia) tweaking his run.
- Matti Lehikoinen (Sweden) low and pro.
- Steve Peat (Great Britain) looking to win.
- Nathan Rennie (Australia) - Peat’s teammate following him down.
- Cedric Gracia (France) throwing style in a practice run.
- Dan Atherton (Great Britain) ended up 9th after sitting in the hot seat for a long time.
- Tom Holland (New Zealand).
- Jonty Neethling (South Africa) with locks flowing.
- Duncan Riffle (USA) looking fast ended up 23rd.
- Des Curry (New Zealand) impressing the home crowd.
- Andrew Neethling representing Republic of South Africa.
- Cole Bangert (USA) doing his thing.
- Chris Kovarik (Australia) tore into the hot seat and was there for a very long time until he ended up fifth.
- First year senior Amiel Cavalier (Australia) tearing down the course to take 17th.
- Cavalier’s Giant teammate Jared Rando ended up 25th.
- Justin Leov (New Zealand) didn’t have it on the day.
- Cedric Gracia (France) looking fast but not fast enough - ending up 7th.
- Gee Atherton (Great Britain) slipping into the top ten.
- Mickel Pascal rounded out the top ten for France.
- Mick Hannah wanted to equal his sister’s gold medal in the junior women’s race but he could only grab 6th spot.
- Greg Minnaar (South Africa) couldn’t grab a second World Championship in Rotorua but did climb onto the podium a full four seconds behind Sam Hill.
- Steve Peat (Great Britain) was fast as the current World Cup leader but still couldn’t take home the illusive World Championship win.
- Sam Hill put a dream run together and finally got what was rightfully his - the World title.
- Super-commentator Peter Graves with a shady masked character behind him.
- Minnaar thinks about what could have been.
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Sam Hill (Australia) shows off his medal
- Christopher Herndon (USA)
- Cody Warren (USA)
- Luke Strobel (USA)
- Cole Bangert (USA)
- Chris Kovarik (Australia)
- David Vazquez Lopez (Spain)
- Oscar Saiz Castañe (Spain)
- Nathan Rankin (New Zealand)
- Julien Camellini (France)
- Cédric Gracia (France)
- Gee Atherton (Great Britain)
- John Kirkcaldie (New Zealand)
- Mickael Pascal (France)
- Sam Hill (Australia)
- Sam Hill (Australia)
- Mick Hannah (Australia)
- Marc Beaumont (Great Britain)
- Greg Minnaar (Republic of South Africa)
- Greg Minnaar (Republic of South Africa)
- Steve Peat (Great Britain)
- Steve Peat (Great Britain)
- Steve Peat (Great Britain)
- Nathan Rennie (Australia)
- Nathan Rennie (Australia)
- It was a long day watching from the sidelines...
- Dan Atherton (Great Britain)
- Tom Holland (New Zealand)
- Gerard Wolfe (Ireland)
- Daniel Auerswald (Germany)
- Jonty Neethling (Republic of South Africa)
- Duncan Riffle (USA)
- Justin Havukainen (USA)
- Markolf Berchtold (Brazil)
- Filip Polc (Slovakia)
- Naoki Idegawa (Japan)
- Tyler Morland (Canada)
- Tyler Morland (Canada)
- Luke Kitzanuk (Canada)
- Luke Kitzanuk (Canada)
- Bryn Atkinson (Australia)
- Evan Turpen (USA)
- Des Curry (New Zealand)
- Michal Marosi (Czech Republic)
- Andrew Neethling (Republic of South Africa)
- Andrew Mitchell (Canada)
- Aussie fans were out in force
- The men's Podium: Greg Minnaar (South Africa, 2nd), Sam Hill (Australia, 1st), Nathan Rennie (Australia, 3rd)
- Downhilling's First Couple - world champions Sabrina Jonnier & Sam Hill
Race 10 - August 26: Elite women downhill,
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Emma Mcnaughton (Australia)
- Diana Marggraff (Ecuador)
- Olivia Johnston (New Zealand)
- Jacqueline Harmony (USA)
- Rachel Atherton (Great Britain) - bronze medalist
- Tracy Moseley (Great Britain) - silver medalist
- Anita Molcik (Austria)
- Adrienne Miller (Canada)
- Adrienne Miller (Canada)
- Claire Buchar (Canada)
- Claire Buchar (Canada)
- Fionn Griffiths (Great Britain)
- Fionn Griffiths (Great Britain)
- Scarlett Hagen (New Zealand)
- Kathleen Pruitt (USA)
- Rachel Atherton (Great Britain)
- Rachel Atherton (Great Britain)
- Helen Gaskell (Great Britain)
- Helen Gaskell (Great Britain)
- Céline Gros (France)
- Vanessa Quin (New Zealand)
- Vanessa Quin (New Zealand)
- Emmeline Ragot (France)
- Danika Schroeter (Canada)
- Kathleen Pruitt (USA)
- Sabrina Jonnier (France)
- Sabrina Jonnier (France)
- Sabrina Jonnier (France) enjoys a long-awaited moment on the top step of the world's podium
- Tracy Moseley (Great Britain)
- Tracy Moseley (Great Britain)
- The podium - Tracy Moseley (Great Britain), Sabrina Jonnier (France), Rachel Atherton (Great Britain)
Images by Kristine Seeto
- Emmeline Ragot (France) fifth fastest.
- Celine Gros (France).
- Fionn Griffiths (Great Britain) was nearly 20 seconds off the pace.
- Anita Molcik (Austria).
- Claire Buchar (Canada)
- Local rider Jennifer Makgill (New Zealand)
- Vanessa Quin (New Zealand) was the sixth fastest.
- Amy Laird (New Zealand)
- Tracy Moseley (Great Britain) the fastest qualifier.
- Rachel Atherton (Great Britain) tenth fastest.
- Sabrina Jonnier (France).
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- Claire Whiteman (Australia) in her second World Championship.
- Sheryl MacLeod (New Zealand) in the final.
- Claire Buchar (Canada).
- Amy Laird (New Zealand) fast as ever.
- Seasoned pro Kathleen Pruitt (USA) doing her thing on her way to tenth.
- Rachel Atherton (Great Britain) in her first year senior on her way to third spot.
- Second best New Zealander Jennifer Makgill took 9th.
- Helen Gaskel (Great Britain) taking 12th.
- Celine Gros (France) was the third Frenchwoman in the top ten.
- 2004 World Champion Vanessa Quin couldn’t make it two with 7th today.
- Emmeline Ragot was the second Frenchwoman in the top five.
- Danika Schroeter (Canada) all over the bike.
- Fourth placed Melissa Buhl (USA) through the ferns.
- Your new World Champion Sabrina Jonnier (France).
- Tracy Moseley (Great Britain) won the Oceania champs over Jonnier here earlier in the year but could not repeat that performance.
- Sabrina Jonnier happy.
- Sabrina Jonnier on the podium.
- Sabrina Jonnier fighting back the tears.
Race 9 - August 26: Junior men downhill,
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- James Brodie (Australia) heading down to 26th.
- Michel Davis (New Zealand) putting it down as spectators look on.
- Hank Cadle (USA) looking fast.
- Daniel Hultgen with some angle.
- Mitchell Delfs (Australia) flew down the mountain into 7th spot.
- Andrew Pierce was the best placed American in tenth.
- Joel Bain (Australia) laid it down in the final.
- Cameron Cole (New Zealand) pinning it to a Junior World Championship win.
- Ben Bell snuck into 9th.
- Brendan Fairclough (Great Britain) had problems in the final and didn't manage the expected podium finish.
- Sam Blenkinsop was the last one down the hill but couldn’t knock off fellow New Zealander Cole.
- Mitch Delfs hits up junior practice.
- the Aussie juniors take time up mid-course.
Race 8 - August 26: Junior women downhill,
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- Tracey Hannay (Australia) beat a small field with a fantastic run to win the Womens Junior World Championship.
Images by
- Floriane Pugin (France) slotting into second.
- Tracey Hannah (Australia) on the podium
- Hannah in her new jersey.
Race 7 - August 25: Four-cross,
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mike Heydon/www.jetphotography.co.nz
- Crash during finals of 4-cross event.
- Crash near the top of the course during 4-cross event.
- The new world champion of womens four-cross Jill Kintner (USA) celebrates after crossing the line in the final with second place Anneke.
- Riders fly during the 4-cross event.
- A huge crowd turned out in the sun to watch the four-cross finals.
- Brian Lopes (USA) leading his heat at the top of the course.
- Riders have no time to enjoy the view during the heats.
- Brian Lopes (USA) during the finals.
- Former downhill world champion Cedric Gracia (france) riding during the final heats.
- Mountain bike legend Brian Lopes (USA) riding from the front during the heats.
- The new world champion of womens four-cross Jill Kintner (USA) riding in front of big crowds during the semi-final.
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- Cedric Gracia (France) snaps out of the gate.
- Brian Lopes (USA) slips down the course.
- Lopes stops and checks out some lines.
- Practice was closed almost as soon as it was opened with a Brazilian boy breaking his arm.
- Gracia lays down some style at the end of the home straight.
- Jill Kintner (USA), left
- Lopes leads out in practice...
- ... and ex world champion Michael Prokop (Czechoslovakia) does the same.
- Gracia turning in.
- Kintner in her seeding run which saw her take top spot ahead of Dutchwoman Anneke Beerten.
- Spectators enjoying the 4X.
- Lopes in seeding where he ended up 0.25 seconds behind Prokop.
- Prokop does his thing.
- Brian Lopes (USA) over the last table top in practice.
- Looking up the spectator-lined course.
- Alex Lloyd (Australia) in his first major 4X meet up against the best in the world.jpg
- Michal Prokop (Czech Republic) dominated from the gun.
- Lopes looked so comfortable on the course all day.
- Mickael Daldycke (France) was strung but it was not his race.
- Eventual second place getter Roger Rinderknecht (Switzerland) in the heats with Kirckaldie struggling to stay in touch.
- Third place getter Guido Tschugg (Germany) soaring above the crowd.
- Lopes again , in the third straight.
- Jill Kintner leading Jan Horakova (Czech Republic) and Tara Llanes (USA) in the heats.
- Third place getter Anita Molcik (Austria) soaring.
- Prokop leading Will Longden (Great Britain) in the heats. Longden ended up 6th.
- The start-gate for the semi-final , which would see Lopes get knocked out.
- Marosi tries to cut in on Lopes and it all ends in disaster.
- Lopes trying to pick up the pieces of a broken dream.
- Joost Wichman ahead of Longden.
- The gate drops on the women’s final.
- Kintner leads Beerten and Horakova.
- The men’s final! Prokop shows a clean set of wheels at turn two as the rest scramble for his wheel.
- Tschugg aims it right for the berm and cuts off Atherton in the process.jpg
- Dan Atherton making some kid’s day signing a t-shirt.
- Atherton after the finish.
- Kirkcaldie the Oceania 4X champion had his last major 4X race today.
- Prokop getting ready to slip into something more comfortable and rainbow coloured.
- Anneke Beerten (Netherlands) took home silver with a strong ride
- Molcik clung on for third.
- It gives you wings apparently.
- Tschugg didn’t make friends with Lopes today but earned himself a bronze medal.
- Your new Men’s 4X World Champion Michal Prokop.
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Michal Prokop (Czech Republic)
- Mike Haderer (USA) avoids a crash
- Gee Atherton (Great Britain) goes wide to avoid a crash
- Gee Atherton (Great Britain)
- Guido Tschugg (Germany) & Will Longden (Great Britain)
- Kamil Tatarkovic and Alex Lloyd advanced through the first round
- Kamil Tatarkovic and Alex Lloyd advanced through the first round
- Cedric Gracia went down in the first round, much to the disappointment of the crowd
- Gracia runs up high on the Red Bull Wall, entertaining the crowd after his crash
- Gracia takes the wall high
- For Brian Lopes a repeat as World Champion was not to be
- Lars Sternberg (USA)
- Mickael Deldycke (France) & Michal Marosi (Czech Republic)
- Craig Pattle (New Zealand)
- Jurg Meijer (Netherlands)
- Kiwi's are gravity fans, with an estimated 7,000 showing up to watch the 4-Cross competition
- Brian Lopes (USA)
- Lars Sternberg (USA)
- Roger Rinderknecht (Switzerland) added to the Swiss medal haul
- Michal Prokop (Czech Republic)
- Will Longden (Great Britain) goes high
- Dan Atherton (Great Britain)
- Joost Wichman (Netherlands)
- Michal Prokop (Czech Republic)
- Michal Prokop (Czech Republic)
- Guido Tschugg (Germany)
- Guido Tschugg (Germany)
- Dan Atherton (Great Britain)
- Podium '- Roger Rinderknecht, Michal Prokop, Guido Tschugg
- Podium '- Roger Rinderknecht, Michal Prokop, Guido Tschugg
- Jill Kintner (USA) defended her title
- Tara Llanes went down hard
- Tara Llanes was shaken, but not seriously injured
- Anneke Beerten (Netherlands), silver medalist
- Joey Gough (Great Britain)
- Joey Gough (Great Britain) & Melissa Buhl (USA)
- GOOD crowd!
- Jill Kintner (USA) easily took the Final
- Anneke Beerten (Netherlands)
- Jana Horakova goes down
- Jana Horakova, down in the women's final while in third place
- Podium '- Anneke Beerten, Jill Kintner, Anita Molcik
Race 6 - August 25: Under-23 men cross country,
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- Rob Jones and co shooting long.
- Dan McConnell (Australia) on the first climb above Rotorua.
- Eventual winner Nino Schurter (Switzerland) led from the gun.
- Local boy Clinton Avery didn’t have a great day dropping back to 27th by the end.
- James Maebus representing Australia up the first climb.
- Schurter creeping away from the field.
- Emil Lindgren (Sweden) on lap two.
- Marco Fontana from Italy looking good.
- McConnell couldn’t build on his great result last year and ended up in 23th.
- Lachlan “Chuck” Norris tried to stay in contact with fellow Aussie McConnell
- Maebus looking focused.
- Schurter sweeps through the mud.
- Stephane Tempier (France) ended up fourth.
- Max Plaxton (Canada) sat in fourth most of the day but overhauled Tempier in the end.
- Fontana looking focused.
- Jaroslav Kulhavy (Czechoslovakia) stuck in a vortex.
- Bjorn Brems (Belgium) hangs the tongue out.
- Avery trying to hold it together.
- McConnell on the hunt.
- …and Norris following suit.
- Maebus getting squirelly.
- Plaxton took over third spot at just the right time as he passed under the downhill track bridge.
- Tempier flagged in the closing laps to end up fourth.
- Lukas Fluckiger (Switzerland) snuck into the top ten in ninth spot.
- Dariusz Batek snagged 14th for Poland.
- Best NZ finisher Marcus Roy ended up 22nd.
- McConnell on the final lap.
- A Japanese rider drops into the paddock.
- Norris finishes off.
- Neal Kindree can race with his eyes closed.
- A young fan watches the racing.
- Burry Stander (South Africa) - a solid competitor
- Rene Tann (Germany) turns into the paddock.
- The local constabulary?
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Nino Schurter (Switzerland) leads up the first climb
- Tony Longo (Italy)
- Stéphane Tempier (France)
- Max Plaxton (Canada)
- The U23 men's podium Tony Longo, Nino Schurter, Max Plaxton
- Nino Schurter , a happy man, another gold for the Swiss
- Nino Schurter
- Rotorua and the venue. If you look closely you can see the men's pack heading out (lower centre)
- The venue 'base camp' with riders strung out along the course
- Emil Lindgren, Sweden's sole entry would finish 10th
- Barry Stander (South Africa)
- Sergio Mantecon Gutierrez (Spain)
- Ian Field (Great Britain)
- Martin Lazarski (Canada) & Jakob Diemer Fuglsang (Denmark)
- Ian Bibby (Great Britain)
- Nino Schurter (Switzerland)
- Neal Kindree (Canada)
- Samuel Schultz (USA) crashed at the start and never got his rhythm
- Nino Schurter (Switzerland) was a class all his own
- Colin Cares and Spencer Paxson (USA)
- Nino Schurter
- Max Plaxton (Canada)
- Ruben Ruzafa Cueto (Spain) had a strong start
- Lukas Flückiger (Switzerland) faded early after a strong start and a crash
- Jakob Diemer Fuglsang (Denmark) had as strong ride for 5th
- Emil Lindgren (Sweden) 10th
- Defending Champion Yury Trofimov (Russian Federation) never found his groove, finished 28th
- Marcus Roy (New Zealand)
- Derek Zandstra (Canada), 18th
- Sergio Mantecon Gutierrez (Spain)
- Ian Field (Great Britain)
- Martin Lazarski (Canada)
- Ian Bibby (Great Britain)
- Samuel Schultz (USA)
- Sam Jurekovic (USA)
- Andrew Freye (USA)
- Raphael Gagne (Canada), lost time to a broken chain
- Spencer Paxson (USA)
- Nino Schurter
- Samuel Schultz (USA)
- Tony Longo (Italy)
- Max Plaxton
- James Maebus (Australia)
- Stéphane Tempier (France)
- Ian Bibby (Great Britain)
- Nino Schurter proudly flies the flag
- Max Plaxton congratulates Nino Schurter
- Nino Schurter realizes a dream
- Max Plaxton that was hard
- Nino Schurter
- Nino Schurter checks to make sure it is real
Race 4 - August 24: Junior men cross-country,
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- The Junior men in the box.
- Patrik Gallati (Switzerland) leads out the Swiss team at the top of the climb, he ended up 17th.
- Rob Van Genechten (Belgium) on the climb ended up 15th.
- Carlos Rodrigo Sigre (Argentina) and Piotr Brzozka (Poland) climbing.
- Daniel Johnston (Australia) following wheels, ended up 56th.
- Eventual third place-getter Pascal Meyer leads teammate and eventual winner Matthias Fluckiger from Switzerland on lap two.
- The Swiss train.
- Christian Cominelli (Italy) ended up 5th.
- Fluckiger, having made his move, puts his head down on the last lap.
- Martin Fanger (Switzerland) looking good in second spot with half a lap to race.
- Meyer heading for home to make it a Swiss 1-2-3.
- Braunstiens puts the boot in but couldn't shake off Frenchman Viullermoz or Italian Comminelli and ended up 6th.
- Brzozka heads for home and into 10th spot.
- Fabien Canal (France) climbing into 11th.
- Simon Schiebier (Austria).
- Sebastian Lehr (Germany).
- L Castiblanco Cubbide (Colombia).
- Cal Britten (Australia) sucking wind in on the climb.
- H. Venegas Villarraga (Colombia).
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Waiting to start? or praying for a good race.....
- Mathias Fluckiger (2), Pascal Meyer(24) & Daniel Braunsteins (42) get a good start
- Lucky 13. Simon Scheiber would finish 13th
- Cristian Cominelli (Italy) leads the way
- Pascal Meyer (Switzerland)
- Heading up the climb
- Mathias Fluckiger (Switzerland)
- Mathias Fluckiger digs deep
- Freddy Betremieux and Alexis Vuillermoz (France)
- Australian rider
- Belgian rider Tom Meeusen
- David Fletcher
- Martin Fanger (Switzerland)
- David Lozano Riba. Spain's only entry
- Cristian Cominelli (Italy)
- Chris Barton (USA)
- Tristen Uhl (USA)
- Freddy Betremieux (France) would finish 8th
- Alex Harvey (Canada)
- Brazil's Henrique Avancini would finish 9th
- Michael Cummings (USA)
- Travis Livermon (USA)
- Martin Fanger
- Alex Harvey. Canada's top finisher
- Chris Barton and Tristen Uhl (USA)
- Dries Govaerts and Rob Van Genechten (Belgium)
- Francis Morin (Canada)
- David Fletcher (Great Britain)
- Michael Cummings (USA)
- Travis Livermon (USA)
- Canadian Coach Michel Leblanc discusses saddle problem with Cody Canning
- Canadian cheering squad
- Mathias Fluckiger
- Martin Fanger
- Pascal Meyer
Race 3 - August 23: Under-23 women cross-country,
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Chengyuan Ren (China) easily rode away from the rest of the field
- Finally, a smile
- Waiting for the gun
- ..and they're off
- Ren Chengyuan (People's Republic Of China) leads Ying Liu (People's Republic Of China)up the first climb
- Adelheid Morath (Germany)
- Jean Ann McKirdy (Canada)
- World Cup leader and now World Champion Ren Chengyuan rode away from the field
- Ying Liu
- Up the first climb
- Ren Chengyuan rode displaying neither emotion nor visible effort
- Elisabeth Osl (Switzerland)
- Ying Liu
- Elisabeth Osl (Switzerland)
- Nina Homovec (Slovenia)
- Amy Hunt (Great Britain)
- American rider showing signs of a crash
- Carissa Wilkes (New Zealand)
- Ren Chengyuan (People's Republic Of China)
- Jenna Zander (United States Of America)
- Ying Liu (People's Republic Of China)
- Sarah Koba (Switzerland) bronze medalsist
- Tereza Hurikova (Czech Republic) 4th
- Eva Lechner (Italy) 6th
- Nathalie Schneitter (Switzerland)
- Jean Ann Mc Kirdy (Canada)
- Meghan Kindree (Canada)
- Chloe Forsman (United States Of America)
- Jenna Zander (United States Of America)
- Catherine Vipond (Canada)
- Ren Chengyuan (People's Republic Of China)
- Ying Liu (People's Republic Of China)
- Tereza Hurikova (Czech Republic)
- Nathalie Schneitter (Switzerland)
- Eva Lechner (Italy)
- Nina Homovec (Slovenia)
- Amy Hunt (Great Britain)
- Chloe Forsman (United States Of America)
- Jenna Zander (United States Of America)
- Ren betrayed no emotion as she crossed the line
- Also no emotion from the silver medalist
- Some emotion from bronze medalist Koba
- Ren Chengyuan (People's Republic Of China) World Champion
- Finally, a smile!
- Podium: Ying Liu, Ren Chengyuan, Sarah Koba
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- The lead moto having too much fun.
- Ren Chengyan (China) wearing an appropriately coloured helmet, leads out her teammate.
- Ying Lui (China) follows her teammate as they stamp their mark on the U23 women’s XC race.
- Sarah Koba (Switzerland) stays in touch with the lead pair but was never close enough to strike.
- Jenna Zander (Canada) leads a train of riders.
- Chengyan chases the bottle...
- ...and catches it.
- A happy Chinese camp.
- Nathalie Schneitter grabs some food.
Race 2 - August 23: Junior women cross-country,
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Julie Krasniak (France) led for most of the race
- Nadja Roschi (Switzerland) was third
- Katarzyna Solus (Poland) - fourth
- Tanja Zakelj (Slovenia) wrote herself into the history books by claiming her country’s first rainbow jersey in MTB
- Medal winners - Julie Krasniak (France), Tanja Zakelj (Slovenia), Nadja Roschi (Switzerland)
- Tanja Zakelj (Slovenia)
- Alexandra Engen (Sweden) & Ilke Dejongh (Belgium)
- Katharina Haase (Germany)
- Alexandra Gelinas-Hamelin (Canada)
- Danae York (United States Of America)
- Emily Batty (Canada) crashed hard in the mud
- Julie Krasniak (France) held a slim lead after the first lap
- Slovenia's Tanja Zakelj improved on last year's bronze medal
- Marta Sulek (Poland) slipping & sliding in the mud
- Danae York (United States Of America)
- Ilke Dejongh (Belgium)
- Rachel Throop (United States Of America)
- Vera Andreeva (Russian Federation)
- Emily Batty (Canada) was 14th
- Stephanie White (United States Of America)
- Tanja Zakelj (Slovenia)
- Julie Krasniak (France)
- Nadja Roschi (Switzerland)
- Katarzyna Solus (Poland)
- Emily Batty (Canada)
- Rachel Throop (United States Of America)
- Tanja Zakelj (Slovenia) savors the moment
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- Julie Krasniak (France) soared to the front on lap 1.
- Alexandra Engen (Sweden) negotiates a tight turn at the top of the climb.
- Nadja Roschi (Switzerland) does the same)
- Relief near the top of the climb on lap 1.
- In the lead and dropping into the bowl
- Except for Tanja Zakelj (Slovenia) following you like a hawk.
- Katarzyna Solus (Poland) climbs close to the podium positions.
- Kakelj can smell the win and ramps it up.
- Roschi steps up the pace too.
- A polish rider negotiates the downhill.
Race 1 - August 22: Team relay,
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- Switzerland scores first blood in the MTB Worlds by winning the relay
- The podium
- Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski models the new U.S. uniform
- Trying to stay dry when the rain and hail moved in
- Geoff Kabush
- Martin Fanger
- The start of the Team Relay
- Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski had a strong start, but had a pedal unscrew on the climb
- Florian Vogel went to the front right away
- Tony Longo and Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski
- Marcin Karczynski
- Geoff Kabush struggled in the mud and hail
- Switzerland moved to the front on the first climb
- Max Plaxton starts
- Petra Henzi managed to limit Switzerland's losses in the third leg
- Alex Harvey moved Canada into second
- Eva Lechner (Italy)
- The rain made the climb very slick
- Sam Schultz (USA) starts
- Sabine Spitz (Germany)
- Tristen Uhl (USA)
- Petra Henzi (Switzerland)
- Alison Sydor (Canada) and coach Michel Leblanc wait for Alex Harvey to come through
- Marga Fullana (spain) began the last lap in first
- Nino Schurter (Switzerland) just about to overtake Marga Fullana for the lead
- Nino Schurter takes off after Marga Fullana
- Nino Schurter went straight by Marga Fullana on the climb
- Alison Sydor started the last lap in 4th for Canada, but was caught by five men to finish 9th
- Alison Sydor starts for Canada
- Nino Schurter celebrates Switzerland's win
- Jader Zoli assured the Italians the silver medal
- Cedric Ravanel had a very strong ride to almost catch Poland and take away their bronze
- German champion Milatz Moritz took the German team up to 5th
- A strong final ride by Fredrik Kessiakoff moved Sweden up to 6th
- Carl Jones of host New Zealand finished 10th
- Mary McConneloug anchored the U.S. team
- Switzerland dominated the race for a well deserved gold medal
Images by Mikkeli Godfree/Cyclingnews.com
- Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (USA) warming up in the pits minutes before the gun.
- the pre-race stare.
- The transition zone.
- NZ star XC rider Kashi Leuchs warmed up and ready to race.
- Florian Vogel (Switzerland) hits out from the gun.
- Horgan-Kobelski following onto the climb where his pedal would unscrew.
- Marcin Karczynski (Poland) looking good in the rock garden.
- Emil Lindgren (Sweden) follows suit.
- Carlos Coloma (Spain).does the same.
- Geoff Kabush (Canada) struggled in the mud.
- Benjamin Rugider (Germany) drops in to the rock garden.
- Bart Brentjens (Holland) came to watch the relay to spot lines.
- Martin Fanger (Switzerland) navigates a tricky left-hander in the trees.
- Adrian Dzialakiewicz (Poland) carries his bike through the same corner.
- Bart Brentjens watches for some lines.
- Séverine Hansen (France) gets her race face going.
- Sabine Spitz (Germany) looking driven.
- Rosara Joseph (New Zealand) trying to stay in contention.
- Nino Schurter (Switzerland) bringing it home on the last lap.
- Cedric Ravanel (France) tries a last lap effort but to no avail.
- Alison Sydor cranking it to keep the fast-finishing men off her heels
- Your intrepid reporter Rob Jones (www.canadiancyclist.com)
- Italian fans come to watch their team take the silver.
- The rainbow jersey presentation incorporated traditional Maori elements.
- The victors!
- Ray Godkin listens contemplatively to the Swiss national anthem.
- The podium
Pre-race practice and sheep-herding
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Rob Jones/www.canadiancyclist.com
- "Run sheep run" - a group of wollybacks realises they are going to end up as carpet and makes a bid for freedom.
- Australian Juniors in action - the Aussies were surprise winners given the expected expertise of the locals...
- Traditional carving of a Maori totem
- Team Great Britain finished third in the sheep herding event
- A Maori Haka welcomes the riders to New Zealand.
- Traditional Maori dancing
- Riders practicing on the jumps at the top of the XC course
- Not the usual start to a cross-country course descent
- Big air not expected from the wheels-on-the-ground XC crowd.
- Defending men's XC champion Julien Absalon at the top of the main climb
- Julien Absalon shows his balancing skills
