May 18/02 11:25 am - MTB World Cup: Start Lists Issued

Posted by Editoress on 05/18/02
 

World Cup MTB #1 - start lists
This report made possible through the sponsorship of FACT Canada & Schwalbe Tires

Start lists have been issued for tomorrow's men's and women's races.

There will be 68 starters in the women's race. Of the top 20 of 2001, 16 will start. Most notable rider who will not attend is defending 2001 World Cup winner Barb Blatter. An unconfirmed report has her injuring her leg in training earlier in the week.

The list of starters included World Champion Alison Dunlap, Caroline Alexander, Annabella Stopparo, Sabine Spitz, Marga Fullana, Alison Sydor, Chrissy Redden, Laurence Leboucher, Susan Haywood, Kiara Bissaro, Marie-Helene Premomt, and a returning Gunn-Rita Dahle.

In the men's race there are 158 starters for the men's race. Of the top 20 from 2001 only 2 riders will be absent - #4 Cadel Evans who has gone to road and #10 Bas Van Dooren.

Starters (top 10 plus other notables and Canadians) : Roland Green, Jose Antonio Hermida, Miguel Martinez, Christophe Sauser, Julian Absalon, Bart Brentjens, Kashi Leuchs, Roel Paullison plus Thomas Frischkneckt, Ryder Hesjedal, Seamus McGrath, Chris Sheppard and Andreas Hestler.

The Junior men and women are racing today. There is one Canadian listed on the junior men's start list, 17 year old Maximilian Plaxton (a Spanish resident we suspect) riding for Legari-Vidoy will be only one of 2 non Euro's (the other is a Mexican) in today's 40 strong field.