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Margarita Fullana (Massi) has claimed her first World Cup victory of the season.

She quickly claimed a position in the leading group and was frequently accompagnied by the Chinese racer Ren Chengyuan and the Canadian mountainbiker Catharine Pendrel (Luna MTB).

Starting the final lap, Fullana and Pendrel had an almost 20 seconds lead ahead of Chengyuan.

The Chinese could find the connection with the others and during the climb at the Arsenal (near the fire department), Fullana launched the decisive attack.

Margarita Fullana reacts: "It's the fifth time I take the win in Houffalize. I'm so happy with this victory because the other competitors made it a hard one to win as well..."

Catharine Pendrel was excited about her performance: "It was a super race and naturally I'm excited with my second position. I knew Fullana would attack in the uphill sections and that it would be hard for me to follow her."

French racer Julie Bresset (Breiz Mountain) finished third in the U23 category, but remains leader in the U23 overall : "It was a tough race where I didn't find my rythm quickly. Also I crashed, so a third position is a satisfying result."

Results of the World Cup race in Houffalize on May 3rd 2009:

Source: Organisatiion of the World Cup race in Houffalize.
More information: www.houffalize-worldcup.be