The riders did five full laps around the mythical Houffalize circuit, and Julien Absalon Team Orbea stayed in the leaders’ group the whole way. During the first laps, Hermida, Peraud, Kurschat, Naef and Absalon formed a group accompanied by five other racers, who set the pace of the race.
They all looked at each other waiting to see who would break away. When the final lap started the Orbea competitor attacked and got away from Naef, Kurschat and Stander
Absalon continues to dominate the World Cup series with 700 points, 160 more than his nearest rival Wolfram Kurschat and 240 more than Burry Stander, who holds third place.
Rub?n Ruzafa and I?aki Lejarreta were less fortunate, finishing in 24th and 30th positions. Breathing problems due to influenza plagued the competitors, who hail from the Malaga and the Basque Country, and they found it impossible to reach the leading positions. "I know this wasn’t a good result. I felt ill during the entire race. It is the third race. Now we are going to concentrate on Madrid" commented Ruzafa.
website: UCI MTB World Cup Houffalize
