Junior men cross country: - km
MTB World's: Peter Sagan top junior in cross country
Junior men's podium: Arnaud Jouffroy, Peter Sagan (C), Matthias Rupp. (COMetaPRess/Flavio Carosio)
European champion Peter Sagan proved he's the best junior not only in Europe but in the world with his win on Thursday morning. The 18 year-old Slovakian won the junior world cross country title in Val di Sole, Italy, after a strong effort at the front of the race for much of the five lap race. He finished in 1:35:21. Behind him, Frenchman Arnaud Jouffroy finished on his own1:34 later. Another 2:51 back was Switzerland's Matthias Rupp in third.
"This was my second cross county worlds. It was really hard for me," said newly crowned World Champion Sagan, a last year junior who resides in Zinint. Sagan's coach said the young rider races not only mountain bike, but also road and cyclo-cross. He added that Sagan rarely had the chance to race with other juniors and generally drew stength and support from his brother, a road racer.
For a complete report with photos, visit Cyclingnews.com.
