Maxxis Sweeps Top 4 in DH at Lenzerheide World Cup; Schurter Wins XC
The latest World Cup was a smashing success for Maxxis’ sponsored riders, with Santa Cruz Syndicate’s Greg Minnaar leading a sweep of the top four in men’s downhill and Scott-SRAM’s Nino Schurter taking his fourth World Cup cross country victory of the year. The race was held July 8-9 in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.
Swiss native Schurter extended his winning streak by riding through a slippery, rain-drenched course replete with roots and steep climbs. According to cyclingnews.com, a finish of 22nd or better in one of the final two rounds will clinch his 2017 title.
Unlike cross country racers, downhill riders faced a dry, dusty course in Lenzerheide. Minnaar took his final, winning run in 2:57.042, with Canyon Factory Team’s Troy Brosnan in second place, MS Mondraker’s Danny Hart third and teammate Laurie Greenland fourth. The victory was Minnaar’s second World Cup win of the season; he is the only rider so far this year to have won two rounds. The win was also the 75th podium for the legendary rider, who now leads World Cup downhill rankings. “The funny thing is after 75 podiums, I am still having a fun time, and I honestly feel like I am 18 or 19,” he told intocycling.co.za.
Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesja took second place in the women’s cross country race. Starting strong, Dahle Flesja and another rider opened a substantial lead in the first lap. She took the lead solo halfway through the initial lap and held it until the final lap. “I’m really happy with my result, and I’m also happy for Annie [Last] winning her first World Cup ever. There were a lot of strong women out there, and you need a good day to be top three,” she told cyclingnews.com.
In women’s downhill, Pivot’s Emilie Siegenthaler claimed a podium spot for Maxxis when she finished third. Like Schurter, Siegenthaler, a six-time Swiss national champion, took a place on the World Cup podium in her home country.
Maxxis congratulates Nino Schurter and Greg Minnaar on their victories and thanks all of these riders for their fine performances.