Melanie Simpson, one of our Australian team members competed well in the middle distance World Cup event placing 19th, just 10 minutes behind the winner, Marika Hara from Finland. In the long distance event she had some difficulties, placing 38th, with another Finn rider in Susanna Laurila sprinting to a 2 second win over Russia’s Ksenia Chernyh. With a mass start, this long distance event evidently resembled a xc mt bike race, with riders jostling for positions in the main pack.
Victories in the men went to Jussi Laurila (Finland) – middle and Erik Skovgaard Knudsen (Denmark) – long.
Finland domination continued in the mixed relay with Hara, Laurila and Juho Saarinen having a narrow win over Switzerland, with Denmark third.

Australia had 3 representatives in the Masters World Championships. In the 40+ Newcastle’s Damian Welbourne did exceedingly well in placing 20th in the long event, and was 37th in the sprint and 38th in the middle. Johan Salfors, who has just moved back to Sweden after 2 years residing in Victoria, placed 27th, 29th and 31st in the same category.
Albury-Wodonga stalwart Leigh Privett, competing in 60+ also had his best result of 16th in the long, with 21st in the sprint and 18th in the middle.

National Round 2 and Queensland Middle and Long Championships – July 30-31 
Yarraman, Queensland.
Why not escape the winter and chase the sunshine and MTBO controls in Queensland.
Race Australian Jwoc star Chris Firman and give him some good competition just days before he heads overseas to the Worlds.
Entry and more details:  http://www.qld-mtbo-champs.com.au/*

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