Rachel Atherton beats Sabrina Jonnier by ten seconds in the mud at Maribor.

Fastest qualifier Nicole Myriam lost her rear mech while on a good time.

Rachel Atherton almost failed to qualify for this race. A massive slam over the finish line double in qualifying further damaging her already fragile right hand (broken finger in a training accident) almost put a stop to the weekends proceedings. However, come final day Rachel put in a “Chausson style” winning margin of ten seconds over a visibly upset Sabrina Jonnier.

This was a major win for Atherton, after a long time waiting to get back to her winning ways. Sabrina looked strong in second but was unreservedly thumped by the young Commencal rider. Fastest qualifier and flat pedal rider Myriam Nicole bashed off her rear mech in or around the rock garden kept her podium position but Tracey Moseley only made it home with a spot of bus money, infact I don’t think you do get any money for 8th. Pugin was almost last through the speed trap ruining chances of a silver and settling for bronze. Pertra Bernhard filled out the remaining podium spot in 5th.

Junior Manon Carpenter had a great run in her first ever World Cup taking 14th and gaining valuable WC experience along the way.

All eyes are now on Fort William for round two where the power of Jonnier and Moseley will be hard to beat.

Manon Carpenter, junior series leader.