Haley Batten wins the XCC of Araxá with authority

Haley Batten takes the victory in the XCC World Cup in Araxá. The American waited until the last lap to launch a devastating attack that ended the chances of the rest of the competitors. Indergand and Blunk arrived shortly after at the finish line to secure the second and third spots on the podium, respectively.

Batten launches a winning attack in the XCC of Araxá

The race started with strict punctuality and the forty riders began to ride on the Brazilian red sand. Chiara Teochhi became the first protagonist of the day with a strong and sharp pedal stroke that forced the rest to do the same. The group responded as expected and led by Jolanda Neff, it stretched without losing its identity.

The insistence on the attacks took its toll on the Italian herself: Teocchi ran out of strength while still in the first lap and the peloton swallowed her up.

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Although Batten, Rissveds, Richards, Keller, and Jackson stood out in the leading group, attempts to break away were futile and the reality was that they were all pedaling together in one group.

The nervousness increased as the clock ticked on; in such a difficult circuit to overtake, correct positioning was essential to face the decisive moment with guarantees. The riders seemed to be saving an extra bit of strength for when the time came to unleash all their artillery; now it was time to study and let the strategy marinate.

Batten and Richards emerged as the new leaders of the race, although in an intact leading group the titles are merely symbolic: with more than half of the kilometers already in their quadriceps, the list of candidates for victory remained huge.

Misfortune visited Keller in the form of a slip. The Swiss rider fell and gave Richards an advantage who, aware of what had happened behind, spread her wings to pull away. The British rider also dragged Batten and Indergand, although they were soon caught again.

Last lap. Batten's attack. The American turned the pedals violently and penetrated the jungle with wild strokes. Richards tried to respond and, despite initial sensations, was unable to follow her rival's trail - she probably also suffered a fall - and Batten remained alone in the gallop towards victory.

XCC World Cup Results Araxá 2024 - Women

1. Haley Batten 22'01"
2. Linda Indergand +4"
3. Savilia Blunk +6"
4. Alessandra Keller +6"
5. Jennifer Jackson +11"
6. Laura Stigger +12"
7. Steffi Haberlin +12"
8. Nicole Koller +14"
9. Evie Richards +22"
10. Candice Lill +22"