Mud and mixed fortunes for KMC–Nukeproof in Leogang
The third round of the UCI MTB World Series in Saalfelden-Leogang once again brought varied conditions and results for KMC–Nukeproof. In both the short track (XCC) and the Olympic discipline (XCO), the weather played a decisive role.
The XCC races were contested in wet and slippery conditions. In the U23 category, Rens Teunissen van Manen delivered a notably strong performance. He spent much of the race at the front and looked set for a top result, but lost a few positions in the closing stages and eventually finished 9th. In the elite races, the course remained demanding. Kelsey Urban finished 25th, just outside the top 24, which determines the starting position for the XCO. Lia Schrievers did not have her best day and finished 35th. In the men’s race, Julian Schelb and Tyler Orschel placed 30th and 37th respectively. Orschel may have had more to give, but lost time after being held up by a crash in front of him.
The XCC races were contested in wet and slippery conditions. In the U23 category, Rens Teunissen van Manen delivered a notably strong performance. He spent much of the race at the front and looked set for a top result, but lost a few positions in the closing stages and eventually finished 9th. In the elite races, the course remained demanding. Kelsey Urban finished 25th, just outside the top 24, which determines the starting position for the XCO. Lia Schrievers did not have her best day and finished 35th. In the men’s race, Julian Schelb and Tyler Orschel placed 30th and 37th respectively. Orschel may have had more to give, but lost time after being held up by a crash in front of him.
XCO: once again a battle against the conditions
The conditions remained tough during Sunday’s XCO races. Mud and rain made the course technical and selective, resulting in a race with significant gaps. Nevertheless, KMC–Nukeproof managed to secure several solid results. Julian Schelb and Kelsey Urban both finished inside the top 20, as did Rens Teunissen van Manen, once again confirming his consistent form. Not everyone reached the finish. Tom Schellekens and Lia Schrievers were forced to abandon after crashes. Both riders went down in the treacherous conditions, which remained a decisive factor throughout the weekend.
The weekend in Leogang did not bring standout results for KMC–Nukeproof, but it did provide a clear picture of where the team currently stands. In a World Cup where the margins are small and conditions often dictate the race, the focus remains on consistency and clean performances. After a muddy and demanding round, the team now looks ahead to the next races in the UCI MTB World Series. This weekend, Lenzerheide will host the next round.
Photos: Piotr Staron
The weekend in Leogang did not bring standout results for KMC–Nukeproof, but it did provide a clear picture of where the team currently stands. In a World Cup where the margins are small and conditions often dictate the race, the focus remains on consistency and clean performances. After a muddy and demanding round, the team now looks ahead to the next races in the UCI MTB World Series. This weekend, Lenzerheide will host the next round.
Photos: Piotr Staron
