Worlds: U23 riders take on the Glentress XCO course

Overcast skies welcome Under 23 riders to Glentress for the second day of cross-country racing at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

ARA Australian Cycling team member Zoe Cuthbert would be the only rider in the green and gold kit at the start when she lined up for the womens’ race.

However when the sun shone through the 2022 Commonwealth Games Silver medalist was unable to stick with the hot pace set by friend and New Zealand champion Samara Maxwell.

Zoe Cuthbert racing at Glentress (SWPix)

It wasn’t the day out the Canberra rider had hoped for as she pushed her way through the six lap race.

“I liked the course it should have suited me but I struggled a bit on the climbs, but that’s climbing for you," she said.

Maxwell smoked the field to claim the rainbow jersey crossing the line more than a minute ahead of her nearest rival.

Cuthbert would finish in 26th eight minutes behind the winner.

In the U23 men Joel Dodds and Domenic Paolilli would rep the green and gold on what would play out to be a perfect summers day in Glentress, Scotland.

From the first lap the field rocketed around the dry and fast course with the Australian riders having to fight their way through from the back of the field.

Post-race Australian champion Domenic Paolilli said the course conditions were the best they have been all week and despite the finishing place he was buoyed by his finsih.

Joel Dodds and Domenic Paolilli (SWPix)

“The course was dry and fast.

“World Champs is always a special one and to beat my plate number proud of that one.

Paolilli would cross in 51st with Dodds also finishing on the lead lap in 57th

“Caught and passed a lot of people on the descents.

“The climbs were tough but short so you could fire up them and then recover on the descents,” Dodd said.

Saturday will see the elite riders on course with Australia feature three riders, Rebecca Henderson, Cameron ivory and Sam Fox

Results – U23 Women

Zoe Cuthbert – 26th

Results – U23 Men

Domenic Paolilli 51st

Joel Dodds – 57th

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Photo Credit: SWpix.com