THE CANADIAN PRESS
PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa — Emily Batty of Brooklin, Ont., raced to a career-best silver medal Saturday, while Catharine Pendrel of Kamloops, B.C., won the bronze, as Canada’s women served notice at the opening race of the mountain bike World Cup tour.
Maja Wloszczowska of Poland won the 26-kilometre, five-lap race in one hour 34 minutes one second. Batty finished four seconds back, while Pendrel, the reigning world champion, was 23 seconds behind the leader.
"We’ve had some really good training camps in California with the national team, so I felt prepared for the heat and I knew my form was good," Batty said. "Just being able to ride at the front of the race with riders like Catharine and Maja was an incredible feeling for me, and I know that I will only get stronger for the next rounds."
Pendrel, who’s building her form to peak later this season, was pleased with her bronze.
"I sometimes go out too strong, so this time I played it a little conservative, maybe too conservative," Pendrel said. "But I’m where I want to be for this time of year, and really happy for such a strong showing for Canada."
Canada is at the top of the Olympic rankings in women’s cross-country. In 2011, three of Canada’s women finished in the top eight of the individual World Cup standings.
Nino Schurter of Switzerland won the men’s race, finishing just ahead of local favourite Burry Stander of South Africa. Manuel Fumic of Germany in third.
Derek Zandstra of Trenton, Ont., was the top Canadian in 29th, followed by Geoff Kabush of Courtney, B.C., in 37th. Canadian champion Max Plaxton of Tofino, B.C., was 43rd.