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It is that time of year again when each and every weekend the racing circuit hops from continent to continent and we try to track it all…

The big result from this past weekend was Norco World Team rider Fionn Griffiths in the World Cup #2 in Marobor Slovenia. Pushing through a pack of 16, Fionn took the win edging out Huntington, Beerten an Buchanan in the final heat. Congrats Fionn on a big win! Other results from the event include Fionn finishing 12th in the DH, Ben Reid 26th and Bernard Kerr 53rd after a bit of a spill in the mud. For full results have a look at the 4X and the DH.

Back in North America, the first Canada Cup XC was taking place in Baie-Saint-Paul QC. In this 6 lap course Andrew Watson took 2nd place after battling at the front to the bitter end with Max Plaxton. In the Women’s Race, Catherine Vipond raced to an impressive 6th place with teammate Caroline Villeneuve coming in just behind in 7th place. Have a look at the full results here.

This Past weekend the Norco Crew made the epic journey From Vancouver BC to Edmonton AB for Canada Cup XC #4 in Kinsman Park. The course was fast with quick ups and downs and some very technical sections. Two Norco Factory Team Riders came out from Ontario along with one Grassroots Rider, all in the elite categories.

Catherine Vipond made the trip to Edmonton for the race and battled through some stiff competition finishing 4th in the Elite Women. In the Men’s category Andrew Watson flew in with grassroots rider Zachary Hughes. Zachary finished a respectable 22nd in the large field of 39. Andrew Watson rode most of the race in an impressive 6th place a little more than 1 min off the lead. From the sidelines we were hoping for a podium finish as he gave it all on the last lap. We were astounded as he ramped it up and passed rider after rider. Over the course of the final 1 ½ laps Andrew made up the minute lead and climbed the ladder into first place. Andrew ended up winning the Race with a lead of 1:04. WAY TO GO ANDREW!

This past weekend was a great success for the Norco Factory Team. What is really impressive though are the overall standings in the Canada Cup Series. Catherine is currently sitting in 2nd place for the Elite Women while Andrew is wearing the leaders’ jersey for the men. In DH world, Norco Factory Team Rider Hans Lambert is leading the Elite Men heading into Bromont on July 5th.

Have a look at some photos from this past weekend:

Dustan

May 24, 2009
This past weekend turned out to be a great time for racing on North America’s Eastern courses. Mount Tremblant, QC was home to the 2nd XC Canada Cup and the 1st Downhill of the season.

Elite Women – 5 laps – 31km

1. Emily Batty (Can) Trek Store Race Team 2:01:47
2. Karine Travaillaud (Can) Cycles des Monts 4:10
3. Caroline Villeneuve (Can) Norco Factory Team 5:33
4. Catherine Vipond (Can) Norco Factory Team 5:37

Elite Men – 6 laps – 37.2km

1. Derek Zandstra (Can) 3 Rox Racing 2:00:34
2. Matthew Hadley (Can) Xprezo 3:50
3. Andrew Watson (Can) Norco Factory Team 5:25

XC Photos from Marek Lazarski / Pedalmag

After the XC racing on Saturday, the focus changed to the DH on Sunday were Hans had a great start to the season on his new Team DH.

1. Hans Lambert (Norco) 4:03
2. Andrew Mitchell (Devinci) 4:07
3. Jurgen Beneke (Ind) 4:11


Photos from Martin Moreau / Pedalmag

Across the boarder it was time for the US Open. Diablo Freeride park hosted the event while the worlds best showed up to compete in the Downhill and Giant Slalom. Fionn had an impressive day of qualifying finishing in 1st with a commanding lead over the field.

1 154 GRIFFITHS Fionn Norco World Team Gr 3:05.06
2 142 MCQUEEN Rebecca Race Face Tld 3:13.48
3 151 STRAND Katrina Oakley Shimano 3:13.92


Photo – David T/Pinkbike.com

When it came time for the finals a storm rolled in causing a course hold while lightning and heavy rain poured down. Over an hour later the clouds moved and the course reopened with extremely slick conditions.

1 Miranda MILLER Santa Cruz Pro Women 3:05.47
2 Kathy PRUITT Jamis Bike Pro Women 3:05.56
3 Fionn GRIFFITHS Norco Worl Pro Women 3:05.96

Photo – Karl Burkat/Pinkbike.com

After the DH, the organizers put on a Slalom course for the riders. No contact, just them vs the clock.

1 KINTNER Jill Red Bull Pro Women 43.15
2 BUHL Melissa Khs Bicycl Pro Women 45.05
3 PRUITT Kathy Jamis Bike Pro Women 45.10
4 GRIFFITHS Fionn Norco Worl Pro Women 45.44

Photo – Tyler/Pinkbike.com