GreenPower’s sponsored World Cup Mountain Bike riders Mikayla Parton and George Gannicott did brilliantly at the Mountain Biking World Cup in Fort William this weekend despite everything the Scottish weather could throw at them. This was the second race in a series of 8 that make up the UCI World Cup.
During the qualifying on Saturday in horrible conditions of horizontal sleet and rain, high winds and very cold temperatures George, from a seeded position of 131st, finished 44th fastest ensuring his place in contesting the actual race on the Sunday. Mikayla was seeded 11th and qualified in an amazing 6th position. Perhaps those treacherous conditions are more suited to a local than riders from drier and warmer climates!
Race day on Sunday was intermittently wet and sunny – though more rain than sun. This being the first race here since 2019, the supporters were out in force creating a great atmosphere, despite the weather.
Mikayla’s race went great and she finished 8th – her highest World Cup position to date – and helped move her up to 9th overall in the standings. GreenPower are delighted to sponsor the highest rank World Cup rider not supported by a bike trade team.
George also had a great race and finished in 28th – some jump from the 131st seeded position and showing that, despite a lack of racing during covid, he has an incredible ability to ride downhill at a ridiculous speed. Over a race of roughly 5 minutes in length there were only about 12 seconds between George and the overall leader – the racing was that close.
Rob Forrest, GreenPower CEO, said: “What an effort by Mikayla and George! Only a matter of seconds separated the winners (Amaury Pierron and Nina Hoffmann) from our riders and their result at Fort William bodes well for the future world cup races this year. I would like to say a special thank you to the mechanics, Matt and Henry for supporting the riders and helping them to achieve some great times. Go, Go GreenPower racing!”
