Neff reigns supreme at World Champs MyZA

Switzerland’s Jolanda Neff defended her title after a storming performance in the under 23 women’s cross country race at the UCI MTB and Trials World Championships 2013 at Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg. Photo: Darren Goddard / Gameplan Media

Under 23 women’s Cross Country clash of the UCI MTB Trials World Championships at Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg took place on Friday afternoon where a complete domination from Switzerland’s Jolanda Neff saw her power home to a comprehensive victory which also saw her achieve the rare feat of successfully defend the rainbow stripes she claimed in Austria in 2012.

“Last year’s win was the first time I’d ever won the world championships so that was amazing. This year was a bit different but to win another world title is incredible and still very special,” said Neff.

“I felt quite a bit of pressure before the European Champs and I’d had a bit of difficulty leading up to that race so for the Worlds I tried to just relax as much as I could.

Having started the second lap of the five-lap clash out in front, Neff was then caught off-guard by eventual second place finisher Pauline Ferrand Prevot (France) shortly before the start of the treacherous Tree House rock garden and the pair went into the technically challenging section side by side.

“I didn’t expect Pauline to come past me so when she did I was very angry with myself and so as we went into the rock garden I decided I would take whichever line she didn’t. Fortunately it worked out for me, I got ahead and that ended up being the move that made the difference so I was pretty happy in the end.”

Summary of results – UCI MTB and Trials World Championships

Cross Country:

Under 23 Women
1.Jolanda Neff (SUI) 1:25.44
2.Pauline Ferrand Prevot (FRA) +02.26
3.Yana Belomoyna (UKR) +03:45
4.Helen Grobert (GER) +05.59
5.Andrea Waldis (SUI) +06.31
6.Jenny Rissveds (SWE) +06.31
7.Linda Indergand (SUI) +07.20
8.Mariske Strauss (RSA) +09.07
9.Maghalie Rochette (CAN) +09.48
10.Rebecca Henderson (AUS) +10.03

For more UCI MTB Trials World Championships news, click here.

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