Teammate Ryan finished one lap down on the field in 33rd.
Palmerston North's Caleb Bottcher, 46th, was the best of the New Zealand junior male riders.
Cycling New Zealand coach Sam Thompson said it was a solid performance from Maxwell.
"It wasn't her best race of the year but she still did well, especially after she had trouble early with riders in her way on the tight sections. She was great in the last two laps."
There are no New Zealanders in tomorrow's under-23 races, although the downhill riders will have official qualification runs. The elite cross-country races are on Sunday (NZT) with downhill finals on Monday.
Results:
Junior women: Jacqueline Schneebeln (SUI) 1:05:03, 1; Mona Mitterwallner (AUT) at 1:05, 2; Helene Fosse Sholm (NOR) at 3:11, 3. Also: Sammie Maxwell (NZL) at 7:42, 14; Ruby Ryan at 1lap, 33.
Junior men: Charlie Aldridge (GBR) 1:07:31, 1; Luca Martin (FRA) at 11s, 2; Andreas Vittone (ITA) at 37s, 3. Also NZers: Caleb Bottcher 1 lap, 46; Matthew Wilson 2 laps, 60; Connor Johnston DNF.
Elite e-Bike: Alan Hatherly, (ZAF) 1:04:53, 1; Jerome Giulloux (FRA) at 1:10, 2; Julien Absalon (FRA) at 1:29, 3. Also NZers: Wyn Masters at 9:54, 27, Glenn Anderson 1 lap, 42. Female: Nathalie Schneitter (SUI) 1:10.38, 1; Maghalie Rochette (CAN) at 5s, 2; Anneke Beerten (NED) at 3:31, 3. Also NZers: Kate Anderson at 2 laps, 8.
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