Ferrand-Prevot seals a crushing victory in the XCO World Cup in Nove Mesto

Pauline Ferrand-Prevot takes the victory in the XCO World Cup of Nove Mesto. The Frenchwoman put on a show to leave the other riders with no options and signed a sensational race that she dominated from start to finish. Batten came out victorious in the battle for second place, while Keller finished third.

Ferrand-Prevot unleashed: great performance and victory in the XCO World Cup of Nove Mesto

The race started at the Nove Mesto temple with the notable absence of Jenny Rissveds -after the fall she suffered in the Short Track- and the already known absences of Sina Frei, Zoe Cuthbert, and Evie Richards. The clean start gave way to a brief mandate of Jolanda Neff, but it didn't take long for the two top favorites to appear. Ferrand-Prevot took the lead while Batten and Pieterse positioned themselves behind her.

The leadership of the Frenchwoman was characterized by a high pace from the start. The differences came early, although before the distance became a serious advantage, the pursuers did their job and a leading quartet was formed among Ferrand-Prevot, Batten, Pieterse, and Berta.

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The pace began to take its toll and claimed its first victims: Berta lost contact and ended up stuck in a secondary group made up of Keller, Stigger, Benz, and Lill. Destiny continued to unravel the mystery of the newly formed leading trio and Batten was the next to give in.

The duel between Ferrand-Prevot and Pieterse was underway. The leadership was always on the side of the Frenchwoman who, with no intention of conserving energy and preparing future strategies, chose to maintain the watts. The hard pedaling took its toll on a Pieterse unable to match the attacks of her rival. Ferrand-Prevot opened a small gap, although Pieterse was able to hold her ground and stop the bleeding of seconds.

The race then entered into a battle from a distance between the two main contenders for victory. Ferrand-Prevot showed a bit more freshness and tightened the rope until it broke. The apparent ease of the Frenchwoman contrasted with a Pieterse -with a continental champion jersey included- who sank into a constant loss of seconds.

Ferrand-Prevot established a tyranny worthy of any ruler who commands at will. The rainbow jersey was lost on the horizon and she continued to add seconds to her pocket. Behind her, Pieterse's legs lost watts and the Dutchwoman was caught by Keller, Stigger, and Batten. The fight for the second step of the podium intensified once Pieterse's cushion disappeared; Keller, Stigger, and Batten remained in a compact trio as they gradually distanced themselves from the Dutchwoman.

Up ahead, Ferrand-Prevot pedaled flawlessly and the gap of over a minute reduced the chances of any threat that could arise from behind. The chasing group added a new member when a rejuvenated Pieterse rejoined the group and put her options on the table.

The race progressed smoothly for a Ferrand-Prevot who had already done the hard work and only had to finish the job; ride without errors, control her strength, and secure a victory she could already touch. Batten broke away from the pursuers and made a move to escape from the clutches of a group that helplessly watched as the American embarked on a solo ride.

And without unexpected twists, Ferrand-Prevot elegantly consumed the final kilometers and crossed the finish line in first place to win the XCO World Cup of Nove Mesto. The return of the Frenchwoman to the top competition is sealed with a triumph that leaves behind the bitter taste of the European Championship.

Batten arrived alone to secure a commendable second place and shortly after, Keller did the same to step onto the third step of the podium.

XCO World Cup Results Nove Mesto 2024 - Women

1. Pauline Ferrand-Prevot 1h 24' 44"
2. Haley Batten +1'02"
3. Alessandra Keller +1'31"
4. Puck Pieterse +1'44"
5. Laura Stigger +1'47"
6. Candice Lill +2'35"
7. Mona Mitterwallner +3'08"
8. Martina Berta +3'21"
9. Greta Seiwald +3'22"
10. Nina Benz +3'26"