This weekend, US Cup cross country racing lands in sunny California. For many, it will be a final test of speed and fitness before the World Cup season starts in exactly one month’s time in South Korea.
Based on Friday’s Short Track (XCC), the Canadians look to be on solid form. Jenn Jackson (Orbea) out-kicked the U.S.A.’s Haley Batten (Specialized) to take the elite women’s win. Carter Woods (Giant) finished on the wheel of Christopher Blevins (Specialized), the reigning XCC World Cup overall winner.
Jack Spranger rounded out the elite men’s podium. Gwen Gibson (Trek-Unbroken) takes bronze in the women’s XCC.
Racing in California continues over the weekend with the full XCO events. World Cup racing starts in early May with a new venue in South Korea.