Top 10 finish for Sarrou in Crans-Montana
Team BMC had two standout riders, Jordan Sarrou and Maxime L’Homme (U23), on the new World Cup course in Crans-Montana. Sarrou finished ninth, while L’Homme achieved a remarkable 14th place in his 'home World Cup'.
If the BMC Fourstroke 01 had feelings, it would undoubtedly fall in love with Crans-Montana’s new World Cup race course. However, only Team BMC’s riders could express those special feelings on behalf of the BMC Fourstroke 01.
Exploring a new World Cup course is a rare experience for an XC team like Team BMC, as most seasons see courses remaining largely unchanged, with only minor modifications. The excitement of racing on a brand-new course reignites the thrill that the athletes love so much. This thrill is the essence of why Team BMC riders are passionate about the sport and their bikes.
In his home World Cup, L’Homme proudly showcased BMC’s colors. The U23 rider displayed a courageous performance in the XCC, co-leading the race for the first three laps before his legs ultimately couldn’t keep up with the top U23 riders, resulting in an 18th place finish and a third-row start for the XCO race the following day.
After an excellent night's rest and a remarkable recovery as reported by his Whoop device, Baumann was as motivated as L’Homme for the XCO. Both riders put on a show, with Baumann moving up in the second half of the race despite heavy traffic at the start, finishing 30th. L’Homme came across the line in 14th place.
The XCC races for the elite riders resulted in second- and third-row starts for Sarrou, Häberlin, and Juri Zanotti. The punchy and technical course required a different set of skills, and with the XCO race in mind, they didn't unnecessarily push all the way to the end. Häberlin finished 23rd after a good start, while Sarrou, after suffering a mechanical issue in the first half of the race, fought back to secure ninth place. Zanotti settled for 18th, and Titouan Carod finished 30th.
“The shape is coming along well with the big goals ahead. It was a proper XC course here in Crans-Montana and I really enjoyed it. We will be back here next year for the World Championships, but for now, the focus is still on this season, of course,” said Sarrou after the finish.
Sarrou will head to an altitude camp to prepare for next month, missing the World Cup in front of his home crowd in Les Gets. All the other Team BMC members will compete in the sixth World Cup of the season.
