It was business as usual for Norway’s Gunn-Rita Dahle (Multivan-Merida) as she rode away from the field in the third round of the UCI XC World Cup at Leanachan Forest, Fort William.

There was nearly disaster shortly after the start when a 4×4 pulled off the course just seconds before the race leaders rounded the corner it was parked just out of site around, but nothing was going to put Dahle off her stride. She was in front soon after the start, and extended her lead on each lap of the 9km Witch’s Trail course.

Her lead at the finish was just under two minutes, with Canada’s Marie-Helen Premont unable to close the gap. Another minute and a half down, a battle for third place went right to the line, with Kiara Bisaro just edging ahead of Alison Sydor. That put three Canadians on the podium. In fifth place was Irina Kalentieva.

With three wins in three races, Dahle’s rapidly building an unassailable lead in the series. She’s got 750 points, a massive 349 points clear of second-placed Irina Kalentieva. Alison Sydor and Annabella Stropparo are tied for third with 380 each. You won’t find many betting against Dahle becoming World Cup Champion again…

So with the crowds on the course well and truly warmed up, the men’s race will be getting underway shortly – we’re off back out to catch the action.