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Nic Leary celebrated her debut on the Mountainbiking’s World stage, with a hard fought 33rd place on a tough day at Mt Ste Anne (Canada) today.

As steady drizzle fell making an already tricky course, even more demanding, Leary showed great fighting spirit to work her way through the field from a starting position back in the 60’s, to just miss out on the top 30 by a mere 30sec. A stellar result for the 25yr old, in just her first season of Elite Mountainbiking, let alone World level competition.

“I’m stoked. I went in thinking I had everything to gain and nothing to lose. I was a little bit tactical at the start, holding back a little from the initial first corner chaos, and was able to make a strong move forward after that.” A very satisfied Leary commentated.

“My only disappointment is I didn’t beat all of the Aussies,” joked Leary. “That will have to wait till next week at Bromont. I’m excited to know I can compete at the highest level, and looking forward to stepping it up further.”

Fellow kiwi Jeanette Gerrie battled through a “tough day at the office” to finish 55th.

Meanwhile, in the Elite Men’s race Leary’s partner (and Coach) Mark Leishman showed his fighting spirit to battle his way to a hard fought 77th, on his return to the World Stage after an almost 3yr absence. “That was brutal. I remember why I’d stopped doing this now” was about all a smiling Leishman could manage. “I was dead last on the start line, so my main goal was to pass as many riders as Nic did. I made up about 30 spots I think, so maybe we’ll call it even!”

Peters 2nd in Juniors

Rotorua Junior rider Dirk Peter’s showed just why he’s earmarked for a big future in the MTB world, with a fantastic ride for 2nd in the morning’s Junior Men’s race.

Amongst a field stacked with young North American talent fired up by home town support, Peter’s showed his ability in a fine ride. Finishing just 1min back from the winner Canadian Evan Guthrie.

Fellow kiwi’s Adrian Retief and Connor Corbett battled hard for their 14th, and 21st place finishes.

All these kiwi XC riders will compete again next week at World Cup #6 at Bromont, also in Quebec.