Gold for Baum and Keller

Baum overcame a powerful junior men’s field to add the most prestigious junior cross country title to his recently claimed German national and European continental victories, showing why he is regarded as one of the most talented young riders currently on the circuit.

“I prepared the whole year for this race and built my form up to this point so I’m so happy to have won,” said Baum. “Coming into the race I knew I was strong but once I got to the front it was hard out there on my own so I really had to work hard.

There was a close tussle for second between Canada’s Peter Disera and Gioele Bertolini of Italy, with Disera pipping Bertolini to the post in the last 500 metres.

Earlier in the day Keller powered to a hard-fought victory in the junior women’s cross country event having put together a perfectly progressive performance over the four lap affair.

Keller, who was down in fifth position after the first half a lap, steadily worked her way through the field until she found herself all alone out in front halfway through the clash and the young Swiss competitor didn’t look back.

“This is crazy for me. I am the world champion in my first junior year!” said an overwhelmed Keller. The race for second place was eventually claimed by Italy’s Emilie Collomb with Germany’s Sarah Bauer claiming third.

The South African flag was flown high as local under 18 star Bianca Haw, having soared to third place on the opening lap, fought hard to hang onto a tenth place finish and pavethe way for the host nation’s riders to leave their mark on the competition.

– Sapa