Two Top 15 Results at World Champs As Brook McDonald Retires from Season 2013

21 year old George Brannigan had his best ever result at a World Championship today here in Pietermaritzburg when he took 13th place, just one spot ahead of team mate Neko Mulally. The two riders looked solid all week and were happy with their performances on the demanding South African track. Meanwhile Brook MacDonald, who had earlier this week decided to end his season after this event so he can return home for important shoulder surgery, was unlucky to clip a tree and lose time, settling for 24th place.

For MacDonald the decision to return home has not been easy, but after getting further advice on the rotator cuff tear in his left shoulder, it's clear that he needs immediate surgery ahead of a recovery period of a few months. With an earlier start to the next World Cup season in 2014, the team supports Brook's decision to head home.

George, who himself has been on the road to recovery since he had knee surgery after season 2012, has been steadily rising back to his top form in recent races.

George said: "Both here and at Crankworx I've started to feel like my old self again. I thought it would only take a couple of races to get up to speed, but it has taken a fair bit longer. This is my best result ever on this track and I'm now really looking forward to one of my favourites, Hafjell in Norway in a couple of weeks".

Neko said: "When I arrived at the finish line today I was a little disappointed with myself because I still had some gas left in the tank. I needed to attack a little more and I guess that was the difference between 14th and a top 10. I'm still happy though and have learned from today's experience".

Both George and Neko will head to Norway in 2 weeks for Round 5 of the World Cup.