Olympic Champion Julien Absalon has won his second race in the Nissan UCI XC World Cup series that took place in Houffalize, Belgium last weekend.

The Frenchman took his second consecutive win, making it 19 World Cup career wins, in a race that began in earnest when Ralph Näf attacked from the gun. Jean-Christophe Peraud quickly responded, the pair building a substantial lead. Absalon waited until the third of five and a half laps of the course before bridging the gap, with only Näf able to keep pace until he blew on the final lap.

Best of the Brits was Oli Beckingsale in 64th.

In the women’s race, Spain’s Marga Fullana won and moved into the overall lead as a result. The World Champion made a fast start and got a small gap to a chasing Marie-Helene Premont, with another chase group behind.

Results

Men

1 Julien Absalon (Fra) Orbea 1.51.34
2 Wolfram Kurschat (Ger) Topeak Ergon Racing Team 0.15
3 Ralph Näf (Swi) Multivan Merida Biking Team 0.52
4 Burry Stander (RSA) Specialized Factory Racing 1.15
5 Jean-Christophe Peraud (Fra) Massi 1.26

Women

1 Margarita Fullana Riera (Spa) Massi 1.25.01
2 Catharine Pendrel (Can) Luna Pro Team 0.14
3 Chengyuan Ren (Chn) 0.46
4 Eva Lechner (Ita) Colnago Cap Arreghini 1.58
5 Elisabeth Osl (Aut) Central Ghost Pro Team 2.1