UCI Mountainbike World Championships NZ Wrap Day 3

New Zealand mountainbikers were off the pace in the men’s under-23 crosscountry race at the UCI World Championships in Canberra today.

South Africa’s Burry Stander upset the European dominance in crosscountry titles so far when he took out the six lap race over 39kms on Mt Stromlo.

The New Zealanders found the pace too hot with Carl Jones (Whakatane) and Ashley Hough (Tauranga) one lap down and Scott Green (Rotorua) two laps down on the winner.

There was promising news for the kiwi downhillers with Cameron Cole (Christchurch) fifth in today’s timed practice, Justin Leov (Christchurch) seventh and Sam Blenkinsop (Wanganui) 15th fastest.

It was not so good for outstanding under prospect Aari Barrett (Havelock North) who broke a finger in qualifying and has been forced to withdraw.

The elite crosscountry for men and women is tomorrow with the downhill on Sunday.

Results, UCI Mountainbike World Championships, Canberra:

Under-23 men crosscountry: Burry Stander (ZAF) 1:47.26, 1; Alexis Vuillermoz (FRA) at 1.21, 2; Thomas Litschev (SWI) at 2.46, 3. New Zealanders: Carl Jones 1 lap, 46; Ashley Hough 1 lap, 51; Scott Green 2 laps, 53..

Full results: www.uci.ch