Racing Off to a Great Start
Catharine Pendrel Takes 2nd in Pietermaritzburg
03.19.12 Im happy to report that in my first World Cup flying the rainbow colours of World Champion, in the rainbow nation of South Africa no less, saw me racing at the front all day and finally standing on the podium alongside 2010 World Champion Maja Włoszczowka (1st) and rising Canadian talent Emily Batty (2nd) to take 3rd in a close battle.
The course was a tough one physically with a lot of climbing and hot and humid weather and it challenged riders ability to ride large drops, jumps and obstacles. It will prove a worthy World Championship course in 2013.
Yesterday was my strongest ever start to a World Cup season, never having placed in the top 3 in the first World cup round before so Im excited to see what the rest of 2012 will bring as my race legs, skills and tactics sharpen. Thank you to all of our great Luna Sponsors:
Orbea with your beautiful bicycles, Shimanos flawless shifting, Mavics light wheels that make climbing easy, Fox; your buttery smooth forks, Maxxis for those great tires, Squadra for the great race kits and Oakley for the sweet new glasses!
Luna teammate, Katerina Nash narrowly missed the podium being edged out by 2010 world Cup leader Julie Bressette for fifth. After only racing Cyclo cross Worlds 1.5 months ago, she was quite pleased to be racing so strong and able to show Czech she is the rider to race the Olympics for them.
Her result also solidified Luna as the top ranked team as we head to Houffalize in a little over a month.
Whats next though? Back to playing in the snow and then Luna team camp and Summit. Thanks and see you all soon!
Catharine


