Craft BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma
Karl Platt and Urs Huber clinch opening stage of 17th Craft BIKE Transalp
News Release / 21.07.2014
Karl Platt (GER) and Urs Huber (SUI) have won the first stage of the 17th Craft BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma. Team Bulls 1 mastered the 97.80 km and 2,215 metres of altitude from Oberammergau to Imst in 3:33.22,8 relegating defending champions from Germany Markus Kaufmann and Jochen Käß of Centurion Vaude 1 with 3,4 seconds to the second rank. Alban Lakata (AUT) and Kristian Hynek (CZE) of Topeak Ergon rounded out the podium as third.
The Austrian-Czech duo finished the fast stage in 3:35.19,5 having a gap of 1:56,7 minutes on Huber and Platt, who had won the opening stage to Imst two years ago already.
“I'm very happy with this win because I was struggling with several problems and injuries prior to the Transalp. I was pretty nervous. But I sticked to my training and it paid off,” said Platt who nailed his career's 38th Transalp stage win today.
In addition, the 36-year-old pro also explained the team's tactic change compared to previous years. “We wanted to act a bit more defensive and play it cool. We know that the stages still to come are pretty exhausting so we wanted to save some energy.”
However, when the five team-strong breakaway group reached the Marienbergjoch, the first real climb of this year's Transalp routing and sole pass today, his and his team mate's legs were strong enough to bring about a decision.
“It was obvious that it was all about this climb. We worked well together with Centurion Vaude and finally claimed the win.”
Despite the close defeat in the finish sprint Jochen Käß was also fine with the result. “I'm pleased coming out second. We controlled the pace and are still within reach to the Yellow Jersey .There are six more stages to come. All good for the moment.”
For the next days, the defending champion expects more than a duel, so at least a battle of three: “Lakata had some problems today and lost some time. I'm sure that they will try to make up some time and attack.”
Pink Jerseys go to Austria
In the women's event, Silke Schrattenecker and Barbara Mayer of Team Nakita Powermums came out victorious in 4:33.20,9.
The two Austrians edged off last year's second ranked women's duo from Switzerland to second rank (4:37.28,3). Cornelia Hug and Andrea Fässler of Crazy Velo Shop Scott have already a gap of more than four minutes to close.
Swiss racer's Barbara Liardet and Stéphanie Gutknecht of Cyclone Sport/Rochat Cycles rounded out the podium as third (4:41.12,6).
In the other three categories, hotly favoured teams came out victorious. In the masters event for the teams with a combined age of 80+ former World Champion Massimo De Bertolis and his Italian countryman Andreas Laner of AIL Trento were the dominating racers (3:58.16,3).
In the event for the teams with a combined age of 100+, the Senior-Masters category, Heinz Zörweg (AUT) and Andrew McLean (RSA) of Rad.Sport.Szene Ausseerland Racing were unbeatable (3:54.34,4).
The win in the Mixed category went to British athletes Sally Bigham and Ben Thomas of Topeak Ergon Racing (3:57.49,9).
Second stage from Imst to Nauders
Tomorrow's second stage of the Craft BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma over 87.42 km and 2,917 metres of altitude from Imst to Nauders brings a total of three tough climbs: Pillerhöhe, Pfundser Tschey and Norbertshöhe. In addition, the Via Claudia section is another highlight. The stage starts at 9 AM CET.
About the Craft BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma
The Craft Bike Transalp powered by Sigma is the most famous stage race for mountain bike teams of two. From its first edition in 1998 until 2013, the routing led in eight stages from Germany across the main chain of the Alps to Italy.
In 2014, the event will feature seven stages for the first time taking place from July 20 thru 26. It kicks off in Oberammergau from where the field pedals via Imst, Nauders, Naturns, Sarnthein, Kaltern and Trento to Riva del Garda.
A maximum of 600 teams of two will cover a total distance of 587.06 kilometres peppered with 19,147 metres in elevation gain.
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Craft BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma
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