Montreal, 19 September 2009 (Sportcom) - Marie-Hélène Prémont finished fifth in the final race of cross-country this year in World Cup mountain biking in Schladming, Austria, while her compatriot Catharine Pendrel collected the bronze medal Saturday .
Austria's Elisabeth Osl triumphed for a second World Cup in a row and also won her third victory this season. She edged the Norwegian Lene Byberg, (second in points) by 1:05 and Pendrel, by 1:13.
Prémont was just 1:53 behind the winner. Third after the first round, she slipped into fourth place after the second loop. She was then the fifth to cross the line the third time through.
"I'm disappointed because I felt really good," said Prémont. The third and the second place were both very close. I made an error in the last lap. I fell and I was tangled in my bike. Then the girls (Byberg and Szafraniec) passed me. When it happened, I had second in my sight. I was feeling that it was possible to catch her."
"Yes, it's a shame that the season ends, but on the other hand, it ends on a high note. It is encouraging for next year, "said Prémont, who will attend her last course before obtaining his Bachelor of Pharmacy in the coming months.
She also welcomes the idea of being able to take time to breathe at the beginning of the 2010 season. "Last year I did not sleep much and I always felt a level of intense stress. I did not relax, either physically and psychologically," said the future pharmacist, referring to the Beijing Olympics, but especially to her demanding academic year.
In regard to the problem of exercise induced asthma, she continues to adapt. "I had a great start and I was even in first place for a time today. I took my meds a little earlier before the race. I'm still looking for what will work best, but I think I may have found the right recipe."
The resident of Château-Richer still achieved the second best result of her season Saturday, she finished second at the World Cup in Madrid in May. She finished once again among the top ten in seven races.
Translated from Sportcom Press release.