Malene Degn and Sina Frei with double victory at the World Cup in South Africa

Lisa Pasteiner in the TOP10 in the first U23 race – Barbara Benko on 16

The GHOST Factory Racing Team achieved its best result in recent years at this weekend’s World Cup. At the opening race in Stellenbosch Malene Degn won her first U23 World Cup and her team mate Sina Frei made the double victory perfect for the team. Lisa Pasteiner finished eighth in her first ever U23 World Cup and the team result was rounded off by 16th place for Barbara Benko, who was even on her way to the TOP10 until a crash – followed by technical failure.

The area around Stellenbosch and Cape Town is otherwise known for the Cape Epic and hosted an XCO World Cup for the first time this weekend. The premiere was a perfect event with thousands of spectators. The scenery could not have been more spectacular, due to the long dry spell, the riders were demanded everything on the technical, physical and above all very dusty course.

Anne Terpstra is back in training on the road after breaking her ankle and was able to watch an impressive performance by her teammates in South Africa, who supported her from the side of the track. Barbara Benko, in her first World Cup for the team, was on TOP10 course for a long time before she went down with an opponent in the penultimate lap, damaged her bike and was forced to stop in the tech zone: “I knew I was in shape and could take home a TOP10 result here. It looked like it for a long time, but unfortunately I damaged my seatpost in a crash and had to have it replaced. But our mechanic did a great job and I am sure he set a new world record”, the Hungarian champion grinned after the race. She was initially in the leading group, settled in the TOP10 and was close to her goal for the day

“In the end the first four laps were really good, it’s a shame I didn’t make it to the finish, the form is there though!”

Barbara Benko

Lisa Pasteiner ‘s excitement before her first U23 World Cup was noticeable, but perhaps that’s why she was able to deliver a strong race

“To get into the TOP10 right away in my first World Cup is of course a dream, I am really happy with my race.”

Lisa Pasteiner

The former junior vice world champion already showed a strong performance in Cyprus and was able to repeat it in South Africa: “I was actually a bit surprised that I was able to keep up the pace like that, but the race here was just a lot of fun. It was tough towards the end because a group of five got closer and closer to me, but I just managed to keep them behind me. Otherwise I read Malene at the top of the scoreboard every lap, which gave me an extra push throughout the race, so when I found out about Sina’s second place at the finish, it was of course a blast!” Her two remaining U23 teammates fell into each other’s arms after crossing the finish line and Malene Degn in particular was completely overwhelmed by her first World Cup win since 2014. The Dane was able to win races at almost every level in her junior days and was now celebrating her first U23 World Cup win

“Of course I already knew I was in good shape, but I never dreamed that it would be enough to win the very first race. Of course I had that as a very small thought somewhere in the back of my mind that that would be the highest possible goal for this season, I probably have to rethink that now.”

Malene Degn

After a turbulent start, Sina Frei, Malene Degen and Evie Richards were able to pull away from the rest of the field before the eventual winner noticed more and more minor mistakes by Richards from England: “At the beginning of the race I saw that Sina was still in our group. That was of course a mental advantage for both of us to be able to work together. Then I felt Evie slowly making more and more mistakes and finally went past, was able to pull away easily and extend this lead to the finish – that was just a crazy feeling. I would like to thank everyone so much, we worked on the bike again in Cyprus and also here and found one or two more technical tricks. Together with a good winter and the perfect support, this was possible today! What a crazy race, I actually still can’t believe what happened here.”

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For U23 World Champion Sina Frei it was also a very successful day:

“I’m not necessarily 100% satisfied with my own race now, I did make a few mistakes and my mind wasn’t completely on the job. But the result is definitely right and I am so happy for Malene that she won. We shared a room the whole week and we got to know and appreciate each other much better. Standing next to each other on the podium at the end was the dream ending to a perfect week.”

Sina Frei

The Swiss was not quite at the front at the start, made one or two mistakes herself and had lost the connection in the meantime

“But as the race went on, it went better and when I was able to pass Evie and Malene was already gone in front, however, it was mainly about bringing home second place. I think we had a great start to the season and everyone in the team is super happy. Of course I’m also happy to be able to give something back, because the reception in the team was super warm and I’m super proud to be part of it, so it can continue for us!”

Sina Frei

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It was the first ever XCO World Cup win for the team. After world championship titles, world cup and overall world cup victories in XCE, numerous podiums in XCO World Cup, the team achieved historic things in their own team history last weekend. Many thanks to all friends, partners and sponsors in the background – we still have a lot to do!

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