U.S. Tops in Women's World XC Mountain Biking

By Singletrack.com

The United States is currently ranked number one in the world in elite women’s mountain biking, according to UCI standings.

The United States is in the top position with 597 points, compared to the 478 accumulated by second-place Canada and the 446 of third-ranked Switzerland.

The success of the American women so far this season can be credited largely to riders like Willow Koerber (Subaru-Gary Fisher) and Georgia Gould (Luna Pro Team). As for Canada, Catharine Pendrel and Marie-Helene Premont have posted consistent top-ten results.

Koerber, meanwhile, grabbed silver medals at the first two rounds of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup while compatriot Gould grabbed the silver at round three. The pair currently sits in fourth and 12^th respectively in the individual UCI rankings.

American Mary McConneloug (Kenda-Seven) sits in ninth place in the individual rankings while Heather Irmiger (Subaru-Gary Fisher) rounds out the top 20.

Elisabeth Osl of Austria and reigning world champion Irina Kalentieva of Russia top the rankings as one and two respectively. Canadians Pendrel is the third-ranked rider while Premont is 17^th.

In the men’s elite nation rankings, the U.S. holds the 20^th spot with 86 points, compared to top-ranked Switzerland’s 690 points. Canada is 12^th with 199 points.

In the individual rankings, Canadian Geoff Kabush (Maxxis-Rocky Mountain) is the top North American in eighth place. American Todd Wells (Specialized Factory Racing) is in 21^st followed by Adam Craig (34^th), Sam Schultz (39^th) and Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (51^st ).

France’s Julian Absalon is the top-ranked rider.

The next World Cup is July 25 at Champrey, Switzerland, followed by Val di Sole, Italy, on Aug. 1 with the final round set for the weekend of Aug. 29 in Windham, New York.