Rabo-Giant rider wins Pro XCT Short Track

Adam Craig of the Rabobank-Giant Off-Road Team displayed a triumphant return to form with a Short Track victory at Round 4 of the U.S. Pro XCT mountain bike series in Wisconsin. Craig, who recently returned to racing after months of rehabilitation due to an off-season knee injury, attacked midway through the June 27 race and held off a chase group to take the win on his Giant Anthem X Advanced SL.

Craig, who underwent knee surgery in February to repair a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament, missed the first half of the World Cup season and just returned to racing last month. After intensive physical therapy and rehab on his knee, Craig proved in Wisconsin that he’s back to race form.

After several lead changes on a hot day in Mt. Morris, Wisconsin, Craig launched a solo attack midway through the race. He established a gap on the course that featured one significant climb and some stretches of singletrack. And despite the efforts of a strong group of chasers behind, Craig held his lead to the line.

Craig now turns his attention to the second half of the cross-country season, which will include U.S. National Championships, the remainder of the World Cup Series, and the World Championships in Canada in early September.