The Crocodile Trophy

---

Hansen Wins Time Trial and Extends Lead

John-Michael Flynn / 25.10.2005

Averaging a sizzling 38.38 kilometres per hour on a 30 kilometre course of mostly hard-pack dirt road, Australian Adam Hansen consolidated his race lead in the Crocodile Trophy by taking out today’s eighth stage Time Trial.

Realising the time trial was a “very important stage� the leader of the Cairns Coconut Caravan Resort team turned up ready to race, knowing there was an opportunity to take time out of his main rivals in this event, UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Cup Champion Mauro Bettin and Austria’s Heinz Zorweg.

“Two years ago I did this time trial in Chillagoe and finished second to Bettin,� Hansen said.

“I think I’m a little stronger than Bettin now and Zorweg has been getting weaker the last two stages.�

Finishing the 30 kilometres in a time of 46.44, Hansen surged a further 1 minute, 40 seconds ahead of Bettin on G.C. and 2.57 ahead of Zorweg.

Overall, the Australian leads the Crocodile Trophy standings with a margin of 9.29 over the Austrian Zorweg and 25.22 over Bettin, but will need to hold a gap of at least that size, given the superior mountain bike skills of his rivals, which will come into their own on the notorious CREB track through the Daintree Rainforest later in the race.

“Ideally I’d like to lead by 30 minutes going into the Daintree,� Hansen said after today’s stage.

“But there is a long way to go before there and anything can happen.�

German Jens Zemke of the Felt-Shimano Dream Team rounded out the podium placings in today’s time trial and at one stage looked the goods for a stage win after charging off the start line and quickly rounding up his minute man.

But Hansen’s go-steady approach to the race brought the ultimate result today with his second stage victory of the race and more valuable seconds added to his overall lead.See All Event Posts