Although he gave himself a chance, Jesse Melamed faltered in the latter stages of Sunday's UCI World Cup race in Val di Fassa, Trentino and dropped back into fifth in a time of 35 minutes, 47.37 seconds. Rhys Verner was the next-fastest Canadian in 10th (36:17.11).
Matt Walker’s win was a hugely popular one, and his first at the World Cup level, despite coming close with a top three last season. The Kiwi won the day’s last two stages and gained strength as others faded (35:24.95). France’s Alex Rudeau was second on the day after taking two stages (35:41.54). Richie Rude of the United States ended up third after losing some 30 seconds with a puncture on stage four (35:43.28).
Rude will still carry the series leader’s jersey into round six.
"So close!" Melamed said on his Instagram account. "Was having myself a great day, riding well, enjoying the suffering, and stoked to be fighting for the win. And then I had a pretty poor stage 4 and threw away a lot of time. Finished fifth in the end, which is a solid result but not where I felt like my riding was.
"Finishing this block healthy and with plenty to work on so I’m looking forward to enjoying some summer time at home! Thanks to the team as always for giving me all that I need."
Results roundup
The physical five-stage race in the Italian Dolomites was a test of technique, fitness and sheer strength. It properly challenging as bright sunshine brought premium track conditions but also temperatures approaching 30 degrees Celsius.
In the pro women’s race, Isabeau Courdurier was dominant from the gun. She took the first stage of the day and won two more on her way to victory (41:03.36). The series leader has won three times in Val Di Fassa before, but her compatriot Morgane Charre pushed her all the way, leading into the final stage by less than a second. Ultimately, Charre settled for silver (41:10.43). Melanie Pugin earned bronze, rounding out an all-French podium (41:20.73).
Andreane Lanthier Nadeau of Squamish rode to eighth place as top Canadian (42:32.31).
In the U21 women’s race, it was another win for Canada's Emmy Lan, her fourth breakthrough of the season (44:38.97). Italy’s Sophie Riva was second (45:33.48) and Elly Hoskin (who, like Lan is a Howe Sound Secondary graduate) checked in for third (45:47.92).
France’s Lily Planquart won three of the day's five stages but would be hit with a five-minute penalty for starting a stage late, which dropped her all the way down to 11th (48:37.26).
Lapierre Zip Collective was named team of the day, but Yeti/Fox Factory Racing still lead the World Cup.
Full results are available here.
