Luna's Pendrel Leading World Cup.

Catharine Pendrel Back Leading World Cup After Val di Sole

Canada’s Catharine Pendrel was the strongest rider in the women’s XC Saturday in Val di Sole, Italy

Not until the final drag race, Maja Wlosczcowska (CCC Polkowice) made the moves that ultimately launched her past Pendrel (Luna Pro Team) for a victory 5 seconds ahead of Canada’s national XC champion.

Although she lost the victory on the last lap, Pendrel is back in the World Cup overall leader’s jersey as the series heads to the final round Aug. 28 in Windham, NY.

Willow Koerber (Subaru-Trek) is in 3rd overall and Eva Lechner (Colnago-Sudtirol) is in second.

Pendrel set out from the get-go to lead the race. A group of riders including WN user, Luna teammates Georgia Gould and Katerina Nash tried but failed to bridge the gap. Gould would end up drifting back to finish seventh, but Nash ended up battling Irina Kalentieva (Topeak Ergon) and Katie Compton (Planet Bike-Stevens) for higher podium spots.

There are many great racers on the World Cup. No question the Luna gals are one fast team! You never know which will have the legs, but you can bet they are in the hunt!