Double Top-5 Finish for Nicole Koller
The sixth round of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series took the Ghost Factory Racing Team back to a place full of great memories: Pal Arinsal in Andorra. With its high-altitude challenges, breathtaking scenery, and unpredictable weather, this venue never fails to deliver drama – and this year was no exception.
UCI MTB World Cup in Andorra – What Makes It Special
Nestled in the Pyrenees, the venue of Pal Arinsal is a fan favorite and a riders' challenge. The XCC (short track) and XCO (Olympic cross-country) courses offer a mix of natural terrain, fast descents, and tight technical sections. The elevation – over 1,900 meters above sea level – adds a unique physiological component, testing even the fittest athletes.
Andorra has a rich mountain bike history, having hosted World Cups for years, and even the 2024 UCI MTB World Championships, where Anne Terpstra won the Silver Medal. From sun to snow, the weather here is famously unpredictable – something that played a role again this weekend.
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Nicole on fire
Nicole Koller stepped into the spotlight – and didn’t disappoint. After a few challenging weekends in Leogang and Val di Sole, Nicole bounced back with two incredible rides: 5th place in both XCC and XCO.
These results not only lifted team spirits but also reinforced Nicole’s impressive form this season. She remains 2nd overall in the World Cup standings after six rounds – an outstanding achievement and clear indicator of her consistency and growth.
Meanwhile, Anne Terpstra underwent surgery last week and is recovering well, though she’ll need to miss a few more rounds. We’re hopeful she can rejoin the racing circuit later in the season.
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A Weekend of Mixed Fortunes
The team saw both highs and lows in Andorra:
Finja Lipp made a strong return after missing two rounds, finishing P16 in XCC. Unfortunately, she was hit by multiple flat tires in the XCO race – likely due to shifting lines and wet conditions after overnight rain.
Sara Cortinovis, not a fan of slippery terrain, gave her best in challenging conditions and came home in P17. She’s already looking ahead to more favorable races.
Caroline Bohe suffered a mechanical during the XCO race, but the bigger issue was her legs just didn’t cooperate on the day. We’re analyzing things and confident she’ll bounce back quickly.
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Looking Ahead
Nicole’s top-5 finishes were a bright spot in a weekend full of surprises. With her best season to date unfolding before our eyes, we’re excited to see what’s still to come.
Next up: a well-deserved rest week before the European Championships in Portugal. Let’s go!
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