ANDREANE LANTHIER-NADEAU RIDES TO SEVENTH PLACE IN WORLD CUP ELIMINATOR RACE
Strategic racing helps Lanthier-Nadeau race to small finals at World Cup in Czech Republic
(Nove Mesto na Morave, CZE – May 23, 2014) Andréane Lanthier-Nadeau of Québec, QC, kicked started her 2014 World Cup season with an excellent seventh place in the Cross-Country Eliminator at the Mountain Bike World Cup in Nove Mesto na Morave, CZE.
Racing under the Canadian National Team colours, Lanthier-Nadeau began her day with an impressive run in the qualifying rounds, crossing the finish line just eight seconds behind the fastest qualifying time of 1:46.
In the opening elimination round, both Lanthier-Nadeau and teammate Rachel Pageau of Chicoutimi, QC advanced to the second round, taking the first and second places. In the quaterfinal round, Lanthier-Nadeau won the heat, facing stiff competition including the current World Cup Leader and World Champion Alexandra Engen, to earn her ticket to the semi-final. Unfortunately for Pageau, she came third in the same heat, behind Lanthier-Nadeau and Engen and finished the day in 12th place.
In the semi-finals, Lanthier-Nadeau finished third of the heat, and was relegated to the small final where she also placed third, to end her day in seventh place of the overall standings.
“I used what I learnt from last year and played it more strategically during the heats. It paid off really well, plus it was awesome to have Rachel with me during the first two heats, our teamwork made it easier for me to work my way into the finals,” said Andréane Lanthier-Nadeau. “The support from the Canadian cycling crew was just perfect, we cannot ask for more. I am quite sick right now and didn’t know if I would be able to compete this morning, but everyone’s support made it possible for me today.”
“Andréane rode very strategically throughout the qualification rounds and into the small final. She has shown that she has what it takes to eventually compete for a medal in this event at the World Championships” said Head Coach Dan Proulx.
Andréanne Pichette, also of Québec, QC, placed 11th after taking the third rank in the second elimination round.
In the men’s eliminator race, Léandre Bouchard of Alma, QC was the only Canadian rider to qualify. He finished in 23rd place.
The traditional cross-country races are held Saturday for the junior and U23 women, and Sunday for the Elite and U23 men.
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RESULTS – CROSS-COUNTRY ELIMINATOR – WORLD CUP – NOVE MESTO NA MORAVE, CZE
WOMEN
1. ENGEN, Alexandra (SWE) GHOST FACTORY RACING
2. STIRNEMANN, Kathrin (SUI) SABINE SPITZ HAIBIKE PRO TEAM
3. BOE JACOBSEN, Ingrid (NOR) SEPURA XC SUPERIOR
4. MULLENS, Peta (AUS) TEAM COLNAGO SUDTIROL
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7. LANTHIER-NADEAU, Andréane (CAN)
11. PICHETTE, Andréanne (CAN)
12. PAGEAU, Rachel (CAN)
MEN
1. HALZER, Miha (SLO)
2. FEDERSPIEL, Daniel (AUT) ÖTZTAL SCOTT RACING TEAM
3. VAN DER PLOEG, Paul (AUS)
4. MELS, Fabrice (BEL) SALCANO ALANYA
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23. BOUCHARD, Léandre (CAN)
