France’s Julie Bresset scrambled to Olympic gold in the women’s mountain bike race Saturday.
The reigning world junior and European champion, 23, won by over a minute in the 28.4-kilometer race on the Hadleigh Farm course, waving a French tricolor donated by a fan as she crossed the line.
Beijing 2008 champion Sabine Spitz, 40, took silver for Germany after holding off Georgia Gould of the United States, a three-time national champion who won bronze.
Norway’s Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa was a surprise retirement, the Athens 2004 champion stopping halfway through the race.
The Hadleigh Farm track boasts steep climbs and rocky descents designed to make the race a test of skill and stamina.
The men’s race takes place on the same course Sunday.
