Connor Wright makes a splash in Nove Mesto Junior World Cup Series race

West Australian rising star Connor Wright has stormed to a sensational second-place finish in his debut Junior World Cup race in Nové Mésto, Czech Republic. 

The 17-year-old showed no signs of nerves at the only Junior World Series event held alongside the elite World Cup, proving he belongs on the world stage. 

Connor Wright racing in his first World Cup

Fresh off a confidence-boosting victory at Bike the Rock in Germany, Wright, the current Australian National Champion, delivered an impressive performance.  

After starting in 10th place, he surged through the field to contest a thrilling sprint finish, narrowly edged out by Austria’s Anatol Friedl by just 0.01 seconds at the iconic venue. 

Connor Wright finished second in a sprint finish at the Junior World Series race.

In the elite women’s XCO World Cup race, Rebecca Henderson (Orbea Fox Factory Team) made a strong return, finishing fifth.  

The result marks an impressive comeback from the injury she sustained at the GWM Mountain Bike National Championships in March.  

Zoe Cuthbert crossed the line in 51st place. 

In the Under 23 men’s category, Jack Ward and Harry Doye flew the Aussie flag, finishing 33rd and 70th respectively. 

Meanwhile, in the women’s Under 23 field, Ella Meningoz placed 60th, while AusCycling junior development program rider Amelie Burrell recorded a 61^st place in her race. 

Full results can be found here.  

Photo credit: Ben Zeimes