Tougher than a lactic acid test: the first World Cup XCC race

Jordan Sarrou was Team BMC’s top finisher in the XCC race in Nové Mesto, finishing eighth, in the same group as the riders in front of him.

Friday night featured the XCC race for both the Elite women (with Steffi Häberlin) and men (Sarrou, Titouan Carod and Juri Zanotti). The day before, it was the first-ever U23 XCC race, with Janis Baumann competing (31st).

The most impressive performance came from Häberlin, showing that she is physically more than capable of following the biggest champions in the sport. She was therefore also more than satisfied with her performance and result (14th): “This short race was a big confidence booster, because I surprised myself. In the uphills I could move up a lot. I am committed to improving my technique, so I will fight for top 10’s in the near future.”

45 minutes later than Häberlin’s start, Carod, Sarrou and Zanotti lined up for their XCC race. Unfortunately, Zanotti suffered from a mechanical in the first uphill, while Carod was once again the fastest starter of the peloton.

Ultimately, it was Sarrou who was Team BMC’s top finisher in eighth place. Carod came across the line in 21st.

Saturday featured Baumann’s XCO race. On Sunday, we will see Häberlin, Carod, Sarrou and Zanotti in action again.