PENDREL FINISHES 18TH AT HER FOURTH AND FINAL OLYMPIC GAMES | Cycling Canada Cyclisme

PENDREL FINISHES 18TH AT HER FOURTH AND FINAL OLYMPIC GAMES

TOKYO (July 27, 2021) – Three of the country’s top mountain bike stars competed at the Izu Mountain Bike course on July 26-27 on what was argued to be one of the toughest and most technical courses in the event’s history. Catharine Pendrel was Canada’s top finisher, crossing the line in 18th place at her fourth and final Olympic Games.

The women’s race was shortened from six laps to five and included several course modifications due to the large amounts of rain that fell prior to the start. Pendrel, a Rio 2016 bronze medallist and two-time world champion, proved that she is still a force to be reckoned with as she made her way from 27th to 18th place in less than one hour and a half of racing.

“My race was good,” said Pendrel. “I wish I had made some different line choices on the first lap because I got too far back, but I rode steady and I was typically able to pick off a position per lap. I think I rode where my form is from what I’ve seen at world cups. I was hoping to find a little extra magic today but I rode where I am, so I have to be proud of that.”

Pendrel was joined by Haley Smith who capped off her Olympic schedule at her first Games with a 29th position after being pulled from the last lap.

On the men’s side, Canada’s sole competitor Peter Disera had a strong start, but faded in the last half of the race to finish 26th.

Tonight, women’s road racing will wrap up with two-time Olympians, Karol-Ann Canuel and Leah Kirchmann in the Individual Time Trial, starting at 11:30pm ET. Then, Hugo Houle will take on the men’s ITT event on July 28 at the Fuji International Speedway. Stream all the racing live on CBC Olympics.