MTB

Cooper finds his form in mountain bike world cup

By CyclingNZ

Anton Cooper believes he is developing well for next month’s world championships after finishing fifth in the latest round of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in USA today.

The 20 year old scored his second successive fifth placing in the under-23 elite cross country world cup after last weekend at Mt Saint Anne in Canada and today at Windham, based at the ski resort in upstate New York.

The Cannondale Factory rider has now moved to seventh in the world cup standings with a final round in two weeks ahead of the world championships in Andorra next month.

Cooper was one of the fastest on the course over the final two laps, coming within 30 seconds of the podium.

Fellow Kiwi Sam Gaze (Specialized) was 14^th and North Canterbury’s Craig Oliver one lap down in 45^th over the demanding test at Windham. Gaze from Cambridge is now 10^th in the championship.
“The course was one big long climb and one fast descent with a lot or dust the whole way round,” said Cooper.

“I felt a bit off at the start but battled hard to hold a solid position before finding my rhythm with around four laps remaining. I had a good crack at making the podium on the last couple of laps and overall I was happy enough on a course that doesn't suit my abilities.” 

Cooper heads back to Europe for training at altitude in Italy ahead of the final world cup on.
Queenstown’s Kate Fluker had a challenging day, finishing 40^th in the women’s race, a lap down on winner Pauline Prevot (FRA).  Fluker has been in consistent form this year with a 28^th placing the previous week in Canada and now lies 31^st overall on the World Cup.

Meanwhile Matt Walker (Rotorua) had a breakthrough performance in the downhill competition.
Walker, older brother of BMX rider Sarah Walker, finished 11^th and leading Kiwi in a brutal and rough track at Windham.

Norco Factory rider Sam Blenkinsop was the only other Kiwi in the top-20 as Trek World Racing riders Brook MacDonald and George Brannigan both fell victim to the uncompromising Windham course.
Taranaki brothers Wyn and Ed Masters were 29^th and 30^th respectively.

Queenstown’s Alanna Columb was the best of the women in 10^th place with Sophie Tyas 15^th and Veronique Sandler 17^th.


Anton Cooper in action. Photo © Cannondale Factory Racing

The downhill honours went to American Aaron Gwin and the incomparable Rachel Atherton (GBR).
The final round of the UCI World Cup for both cross country and downhill is at Val di Sole, Italy on 22-23 August.