Häberlin produces top 10 in World Cup Lake Placid, a career-best result

Team BMC Swiss’ former XCM champion, Steffi Häberlin, finished tenth in the penultimate World Cup last Sunday in Lake Placid. The 26-year-old had a decent start and was able to keep pace with the world’s best XC riders throughout the race. 

Häberlin was frustrated after the short race the day before, where she did not meet her own expectations. "I had the legs, but I didn’t manage to achieve the result I wanted on Saturday. Then, I spoke with Greg, our physio, about my focus during the race,” she explained.

With this confidence boost, she went into the XCO race feeling more prepared. “The course suited me well, especially the wide uphill sections where I overtook many competitors,” Häberlin continued. “After the first lap, I crossed the line in 12th place, and from there, I tried to stay with the leading group.”

Häberlin battled for a top 10 position during the opening laps, moving in and out of the leading group several times. 

In the end, tenth place marked her best-ever World Cup result. “I’m super happy with that, especially because it shows that I can compete at the same level as the strongest riders when my focus is on point.” 

She credited Greg, the physio, for motivating her and contributing to her excellent performance.

In the men’s race, Titouan Carod was forced to abandon, just as in the XCC race, due to a wrist injury. Juri Zanotti finished 21st. Jordan Sarrou remained with the lead group for seven of the eight laps but suffered a mechanical issue, losing over a minute and dropping to 23rd place with one lap remaining.

The final World Cup of the season is scheduled for next week in Mont-Sainte-Anne.