BIKE Festival Willingen
BMTB Stars Battle For Marathon Win On New Course Design
Press Release / 17.05.2018
The Rocky Mountain BIKE Marathon of the BIKE Festival Willingen is arguably the most important long distance flagship event of the European scene. In 2018, the classic through the Sauerland region will attract thousands of amateurs as well as international pros who will lock horns on a revised route.
As the 21st edition of Germany's biggest outdoor fair takes place on the Whitsun weekend, Race Director Volker Schroeder decided to avoid those parts of the course which are traditionally overcrowded by hikers. The marathon's main character, however, remains the same with its constant ups and downs through the Upland area.
As a result, the strongest riders will tackle the maximum distance of 116 kilometres which is peppered with a total of 3,220 metres of climbing with the climb to the Hohe-Eimberg-Kammweg, the old bobsleigh run in Duedinghausen, the flowy ground water single track in Titmaringhausen, the energy-sacking ascent at the old Kirchweg as well as the Biggestein downhill to Niedersfeld being the key sections of the route.
While the race profile has significantly changed compared to the previous years, the top aspirants for a podium finish are still the same.
The main focus will be on those two mountain bikers who delivered the most thrilling finish in the event's history last year with Simon Stiebjahn (GER) beating multi-time Swiss Champion Urs Huber on the home stretch.
Thanks to their impressive performance both Team Bulls athletes are among the favourites for the win again – just like their teammate Tim Boehme (GER) who is not only a well-known specialist for one-day classics but also the 2013 Willingen victor.
Reigning Swiss Champion Konny Looser of BiXS Pro Team is another top rider to take into account as he is keen to sign in the list of winners at the BIKE Festival Willingen.
Centurion Vaude is also represented with a very strong athlete. Peter Herrmann (GER) has made it in the top-3 in 2014, 2015 and 2016 coming out victorious three years ago.
In addition, former European Championships runner-up Sascha Weber (GER) of Maloja Rocky Mountain is hoping to repeat his last year's third rank finish.
On the women's side of things, all eyes will be on Hielfe Elferink (NED) who has been dominating the event in the recent years. The 31-year-old riding for Maloja Rocky Mountain is aiming for the title three-peat on Saturday.
But it won't be a piece of a cake as athletes like Sarah Reiners of Focus Rapiro Racing, who came in third back in 2016, are also throwing their hats in the ring.
The starting signal will be fired off at 7:30.
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