Leogang, Austria (October 10, 2020) – After finishing 11^th at last year’s UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, Sean Fincham came closer to the podium on Friday in Leogang, Austria, where he placed fifth in the U23 XCO category. The 22-year-old from Squamish, BC, had posted two top-10 placings in Round 1 and Round 2 of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Nove Mesto Na Morave.
 
“It was a hectic day out there for my last U23 Worlds,” said Fincham. “I am stoked to finish with my best ever Worlds result. It was exciting fighting for third place for most of the race. The conditions were super sloppy, there was nowhere to hide and it was always full-on.

Sean Fincham in the U23 Men’s race. Media: Please contact Philippe Tremblay for image use.
Photo Andy Vathis (All Rights Reserved)

With a field of over 70 riders, all five Canadian riders managed to finish in the top-25, with Carter Woods finishing 15^th, Gunnar Holmgren 20^th, Quinton Disera 22^nd and Tyler Orschel 23^rd.

On Saturday, Canadian riders tackled the U23 women’s and Elite men’s and women’s cross-country races, finishing just outside of the top-25. Léandre Bouchard and Marianne Théberge finished 26^th in the Elite men’s and U23 women’s race respectively. In the Elite women’s field, Emily Batty finished 27^th, Jenn Jackson 28^th and Haley Smith 29^th.

“It was pretty neat to finish the world championships with my best result of the year,” said Bouchard. “The conditions were super rough and muddy, but I was feeling great on the course. I rode pretty consistently and gained a few positions every lap. I knew by the last lap I was below 30th and I was able to see the top-25 group in front of me. I’m very grateful to have a racing season this year; it could have been nothing, but we had five races in two weeks.”

Tomorrow, Canadians will be in action in the Downhill finals, where Finn Iles is expected to be a top contender after qualifying third in the Elite field, only just 4.783 off the leader.

About Cycling Canada
Cycling Canada is one of the oldest national sport organizations in Canada and has one simple purpose: to inspire Canadians to cycle. Cycling Canada administers programs to promote and grow cycling across the country, hosts national and international events and manages the National Team in all levels of international competition. 
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Source: Cycling Canada 
Information:
Philippe Tremblay l Cycling Canada l 514-884-5782 l philippe.tremblay@cyclingcanad