The Langkawi International Mountain Bike Challenge
Stander, Schneitter Live Up To Top Billing
News Release / 19.10.2011
South Africa’s Burry Stander and Swiss rider Nathalie Schneitter lived up to their top billing as they took the honours in the Stage 1 cross country marathon of their respective categories on Day 1 of the Langkawi International Mountainbike Challenge 2011.In a dramatic tussle to the finish line between two of the top-ranked riders in the peloton, Stander outsprinted Germany’s Karl Platt of Team Bulls to stop the clock at 2hrs 24mins 20.5s at Langkawi Stadium.
World No. 6 Stander who came accompanied by his father Charles, was ecstatic with the excellent start. “The first hour of the race was quite a struggle for me, but it was an interesting race on an interesting course. It’s a great start and a close finish.
“I’m still feeling jet-lagged and trying to cope with the weather as it was like racing on high altitude but overall, to win Stage 1 is a wonderful feeling,� said Stander, who bagged the Cape Epic title, the African championship and the South African national championship earlier this year.
Platt, Germany’s three-time Cape Epic champ ranked No 7 in elite marathon category, was a wheel behind Stander, followed by France’s former European champ Thomas Dietsch who came in third in 2:26.12.2.
For Team Colnago Fabre Sudtirol, it was a good day in the office as Schneitter, world No. 8 in cross country, crossed the finish line just ahead of team mate, Vivienne Meyer.
Schneitter was pleased with her victory. “It’s always great to win. Getting a 1-2 finish was a great start. As for Stage 2, I look forward to maintaining my position. Having trained on the course, I liked it and I expect an interesting race tomorrow,� said Schneitter.
Malaysia’s top finisher was former road cyclist, Fauzan Lutfi who clocked 2:50.03.2 to finish 25th.
Full results and race information can be found at <a href="#" onClick="javascript:newsitewindow('http://www.mtbmalaysia.com')" class="main">www.mtbmalaysia.com</a>.See All Event Posts
