Montreal, 5 September 2009 (Sportcom) - Marie-Hélène Prémont has retrieved the pleasure of biking mountain despite a 12th place at the cross country event at the World Championships on Saturday in Canberra, Australia.
Russian Irina Kalentieva dominated the race and won in a time of 1:43:20 sec, 13 seconds ahead of Norway Lene Byberg and by 52 seconds ahead of American Willow Koerber.
The British Columbian Catharine Pendrel, sixth, was the top Canadian. She finished in 2:36 behind the winner. The Ontarian Amanda Sin finished 26th.
Prémont had accumulated a gap of 5:15 seconds behind Kalentieva. "I'm glad to have found a good feeling during a race. I felt good and I had no pain in the legs."
"It was my first competition since I am taking medication for asthma. I must adapt to this new situation", said the athlete of Château-Richer, who was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma this summer.
"I did not envisage a 12 place, but to rediscover this feeling gives me confidence. I'm really happy to race in Australia."
"The course was very fast and included few passing sections, that was not in my favour. Other Canadians either. We prefer the more technical course. But I retain the pleasure I had to race! " Concluded Prémont.
Translated from Sportcom Press release.