Corinth rider nets top U.S. finish in World Cup event

MONT SAINTE ANNE, Quebec – Adam Craig of Corinth and Bend, Ore., was the top-finishing American on Sunday when the International Cycling Union’s World Cup elite men’s cross country mountain biking circuit made its annual stop at this resort northeast of Quebec City.

Craig finished 22nd overall, 8 minutes, 57 seconds behind winner Julien Absalon of France, who extended his lead in the World Cup points standings with his third straight victory this season.

Absalon, the reigning Olympic and world champion, was timed in 1 hour, 54 minutes, 59 seconds to best second-place Jose Hermida of Spain by 23 seconds. Canada’s Geoff Kabush placed third, 1:26 back.

The 25-year-old Craig, who began the day ranked 30th in the World Cup point standings, edged Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (23rd) and Todd Wells (24th) as the top American in the 101-rider field.

The World Cup series continues in Canada next weekend when the riders travel about three hours north to St. Felicien, Quebec.