Sarrou powers to fourth in World Cup opener

Team BMC rider Jordan Sarrou found himself on the podium after the first World Cup race of the season in Nové Mesto. After a thrilling battle, it came down to a tight sprint, that his direct competitor won by a few centimetres.

Sarrou, having missed numerous races towards the first World Cup of the year, enjoyed the muddy conditions on the course, and was happy with the result at the very end. “I knew my shape is good, and I am glad I could race it from the front today. This is a confirmation that I am on the right track, even though I am not 100% recovered just yet from my injury.”

Sarrou broke his pinkie finger more than a month ago, but with the help of Team BMC’s staff, the aftermath of his injury did not affect him too much during the race.

After the race, the former World Champion looked back on a ‘smart and consistent’ race from his side. The only minor flaw was the current World Champion beating him on the line. “But it is great to start the World Cup season with a fourth place.

Not too far behind Sarrou, the French national champion, Titouan Carod, finished 12th. Juri Zanotti came across the line in 35th.

The XCO course in Nové Mesto and Steffi Häberlin is not a happy marriage just yet. “I’ve never had my best races here”, she said after the finish of her first World Cup of the season, “and also today I did not have my best day.”

Häberlin finished 41st and that left her disappointed. Häberlin: “I hoped for a better result, especially after the Short Track race in which I surprised myself. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite meant to be, but I will take the good feelings from the XCC race onto Lenzerheide next month.”

With Jordan Sarrou in great shape, and the other riders gaining momentum, the Coupe de France race in Lons-le-Saunier is Team BMC’s next goal, right before its home race in Lenzerheide.