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 CRAFT BIKE Trans Germany powered by NISSAN |
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Mittwoch, 2. Juni 2010 Christoph Sauser victorious on opening stageClimb to Tuftlalm brings decision / Elisabeth Brandau fastest woman In the end, the former World Cup winner from Specialized Factory Racing made it to the finish in 3:08:06.5 hours. Last year’s first bearer of the yellow jersey, Alban Lakata (AUT, 3:09:09.6) from Topeak Ergon Racing, came in as runner-up. Germany’s Christian Schneidawind from Team Texpa-Simplon rounded out the podium as third in 3:09:44.7 hours. In total, three riders of the inner circle of title aspirants were able to cycle into the top three on this very fast raced stage, which was the first one ever in the Trans Germany history to cross a countries’ border. A time gap of only 1:38 minutes lets fans also hope for some more enthralling competition over the next three days – although fourth to seventh ranked Matthias Bettinger (GER, Vaude-Simplon), Robert Mennen (GER, Topeak Ergon Racing) as well as defending champion Thomas Dietsch (FRA) and his Team Bulls mate Stefan Sahm begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting (GER) are already between 3:37 and 3:48 minutes behind. Sauser with strong performance and confident According to this first day’s result, Sauser presented himself very content and confident at his interview held in the finish area after his winning ride through cold and rainy weather conditions. “It was a stiff piece of work facing these rough conditions. But I felt good the whole time.” That good, that the 34-years-old from Sigriswil improved the shining hour at the downhill to Lermooser Moos. “I was co-leader and said to myself to attack as soon as possible. When we entered the ascent I threw in everything I can.” Because of this acceleration Sauser also took over the lead in the best climber classification for the “Green jersey of the Bayerischen Staatsforsten” with 25 points. But this special classifier is not the main goal of the mountain bike ace. “I came here to win this race. Stage races are my thing.” A declaration of war for his pursers who for sure will place some attacks over the next days. Brandau bikes into red jersey On the women’s side, Elisabeth Brandau impressively celebrated the win on the first stage of the 2010 CRAFT BIKE TRANS GERMANY powered by NISSAN. The 24-years-old from Team Haibike crossed the finish line in Lermoos after 3:33:23.8 hours, thus having earned a lead of 3:38 minutes over the top favourite from Finland, Pia Sundstedt from Craft-Rocky Mountain (3:37:01.8). According to this, the Schönaich resident was very surprised about her new role as hunted rider. “I didn’t expect this at all. I mean, I just raced and wanted to see what comes out. But the lead is nice, for sure!” Besides a good working group on the track it was also the marathon experience of the 2008 German Champion which paid off for Brandau, who started to race more and more cross countries this year. Birgit Söllner (GER) from team Firebike-Drössiger came in as third (3:46:17.7). Zörweg fastest master In the competition of the 40+, Heinz Zörweg brought home his first day win at his Trans Germany debut. The multiple Transalp champ from Austria underlined his good shape in 3:22:08.4 hours, in which he also chased down those master riders, who were better ranked in the course of the race. Thus, title defender Johann Grasegger (GER, Team Garmisch-Partenkirchen) had to settle for second (3:24:28.6). Bavaria’s long-time leading Christian Pösl, who rides for today’s stage town hosting the finish and thus team Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, came in third (3:26:02.5). 2009 champion ties on to last year’s triumph rides Milan Spolc simply does what he can do best: winning Trans Germany stages in the class of the 50+. After he had won all seven last year, he also clinched victory on today’s 2010 opening stage. After 3:43:41.7 hours, the Czech mountain biker rolled into Lermoos. 5:32 minutes behind of the senior master title defender, Allgau resident Ferdinand Ganser from team Craft-Rocky Mountain followed as runner-up (3:49:14.3), although having had the lead for a while. Netherland’s Ad van De Sande (Ventoux Tilburg) finished as third in 3:52:03.0 hours. |
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