Sam Hill Takes Win #1 at Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup

In 2007, Sam Hill grabbed the World Cup title and this year, he's won the opening round, setting a positive tone for this year's competition. In the semi finals on the 5th,  he finished 3rd, just half a second behind Frenchman Julien Camellini. Both moved up 2 spots in the final.

Sam commented, "I was pretty upset with how I rode in qualifying...I felt tight and rode on the brakes too much. In the final I just wanted to have fun and ride like I know I can. My run went pretty well, but I definitely want to improve on putting together a better run in Andorra (Round 2). I'm looking forward to the rest of the season and hopefully I can get a few more wins."

His teammate, Brendan Fairclough showed impressive results as well coming in 9th. "I felt good at the top prior to the start, relaxed and confident. I think with Sam being so relaxed it helped me stay more calm. I had a good run and didn't make too many mistakes....I just need to open it up a bit more, but I feel my speed will progress throughout the season. I'm happy with my result and ready for the next one!"

Team Manager, Sean Heimdal comments, "I'm super stoked with the results today...I just wanted both riders to come out of here with a safe solid run...It's a long season this year, and I think it was important to come away within the top 15. We're all looking forward to the next round."

The World Cup riders have a couple of weeks to recover before Round 2 which will take place on June 1st at Vallnord, Andorra on a track that's never been raced in the world Cup.