EMILY BATTY THIRD IN WORLD CUP STANDINGS

La Bresse, France (August 27, 2018) – Canadian women’s mountain bike champion Emily Batty (Trek Factory Racing) had a strong finish to the 2018 Mountain Bike World Cup season on Sunday in La Bresse, France, with a second place result that was her fifth podium of the season. The result moved her up to third in the overall standings after seven rounds of racing. Two other Canadian women finished in the top-15, with Haley Smith (Norco Factory) in 13th and Catharine Pendrel in 15th.

The women’s race proved to be one of the most exciting in years, with multiple lead changes as riders flatted and chased back to the leaders. World Cup leader and world champion Jolanda Neff of Switzerland took an early lead, with Batty in a chase group behind. After Neff flatted, Batty moved into the lead for two laps before she was finally chased down by Neff. The Swiss rider attacked on the final lap, but Batty continued to fight, finishing only five seconds back.

“This has been an amazing season altogether,” said Batty. “To finish strong and fight for first was an emotional rollercoaster today. I left it all out there and it was an exciting race. This is definitely my most successful season so far. I’m so excited for two weeks from now when we race world championships.”

In other competition, Canadian Under-23 men’s champion Sean Fincham (Forward Racing – Norco) finished 17th in the Under-23 race, while Leandre Bouchard (KMC-Ekoi-SR Suntour) was the top Canadian in the Elite men’s race, finishing 47th.