World Cup XCO Slideshow - Windham, USA - Mountain Biking Pictures

Friday's training held some surprises. The UCI made some quick changes to the track, adding a new rock section in order to lengthen the course and allow riders to do seven, instead of eight, laps. - Marius Maasewerd

The newly added rock section was widely taped to give riders plenty of options. After a few laps, two main lines were found that sharing the same exit. - Marius Maasewerd

A quick wash for the bikes before they head out to the dust, again. - Marius Maasewerd

Henrique Avancini, of Cannondale Factory Team, with the number 19 plate. - Marius Maasewerd

Steve Blick from Oakley making sure all riders have dialed glasses for the track. - Marius Maasewerd

Florian Vogel bolted the big ring on in order to attack the long, difficult uphill. - Marius Maasewerd

Race day started with the U23 Men’s category, making them first to get a taste of the dry and dusty conditions here in Windham. - Marius Maasewerd

The early bird catches the worm... - Marius Maasewerd

In the U23 Men’s race, it was Victor Koretzky who took the lead during the third lap and he held it to the end. - Marius Maasewerd

All races combined, it was 23 laps total, plus the start-loop… That's a lot for the leading moto. - Marius Maasewerd

Maja Wloszczowska had some support on her handlebar this weekend. - Marius Maasewerd

Every inch counts. - Marius Maasewerd

And they're off! 6 laps, plus the start-loop, for the Elite Women. - Marius Maasewerd

German rider Adelheid Morath was on a great one and her fight was rewarded with a 5th place finish, putting her on the last step of the podium. - Marius Maasewerd

Lea Davison trying to stay on the back wheel of her teammate, Annika. - Marius Maasewerd

From the very start, Pauline Ferrand Prevot led the race and showed no signs she would ever let go of the win. - Marius Maasewerd

Annika storms to a great, third place, finish. - Marius Maasewerd

No competitors for Pauline. Number one on the day. - Marius Maasewerd

Pauline Ferrand Prevot. - Marius Maasewerd

Jolanda Neff, second place. - Marius Maasewerd

Elite Women's podium - Marius Maasewerd

In the US, it’s beer, instead of champagne, for the podium. - Marius Maasewerd

Elite Men’s start. - Marius Maasewerd

Nino making sure to stay on the back wheel of Julien and Manuel. - Marius Maasewerd

Manuel was clearly the fastest descender of the day. He hit all his lines perfectly and made good time in the rough. - Marius Maasewerd

Whoever made it first to the descent was leading all the way down. Besides the new rock section, there were not many spots to pass riders, making that first climb all the more important. - Marius Maasewerd

Hold on tight. - Marius Maasewerd

Julien took the wrong line in the rock section on the last lap and Nino capitalized, passing Julien for his second World Cup win of the season. - Marius Maasewerd

Dan McConnell had a strong race and tried to stay on the back wheels of the top three, but could not hold on. 4th place for him. - Marius Maasewerd

It was a hot and dusty day in the office for everyone. - Marius Maasewerd

- Marius Maasewerd

Elite Men’s podium - 1. Nino Schurter 2. Julian Absalon 3. Manuel Fumic 4. Sergio Mantecon Gutierrez 5. Daniel McConnell - Marius Maasewerd