Craft BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma

Lakata/Hynek clinch final stage of Craft BIKE Transalp - Kaufmann/Käß defend title

News Release / 26.07.2014

Alban Lakata (AUT) and Kristian Hynek (CZE) of Topeak Ergon Racing have won the last stage of the Craft BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma wrapping up their so far disappointing stage race with a pleasing result. The title went to Markus Kaufmann (GER) and Jochen Käß (GER) of Centurion Vaude 1 (overall time 25:32:29.9) who secured the first successful Transalp title defence since 2008 (Platt/Sahm) as third best team today (+1:03).

Overall third ranked Lakata and Hynek had mastered the 62.74 km and 2,325 metres of altitude from Trento to Riva del Garda in 3:00:32.3; one minute ahead of overall second ranked Daniel Geismayr (AUT) and Hannes Genze (GER) of Centurion Vaude 2.

All three most dominating teams of this year's seven-day Alps classic had broken away in the climb to Monte Bondone leading the pack together across the second ascent. When the sextet entered the Kenda Enduro-Challenge (a special category for individuals) at Castagnera, Lakata and Hynek launched an attack and were able to get some 10 seconds advantage over their rivals, which then got extended kilometre by kilometre to the finish line at Lake Garda.

Fortunately it paid off. We gave everything and were rewarded with the stage win. It's kind of a redemption for us after we had suffered some technical problems on the third day. That was very disappointing. Coming off third of the overall ranking isn't bad but we came here to win the Transalp,” said Lakata who had won Silver at the Marathon World Championships a few weeks prior to the event.

While the Austrian tried to offer a positive summary, Jochen Käß and Markus Kaufmann, who became the third elite team ever to claim a back-to-back title win, celebrated their second Transalp victory.

It was our main goal this year to win the race. That we did it in such a great manner is perfect,” explained Kaufmann.

It still feels unreal to repeat the title. Since my first ever Transalp I have been dreaming of winning it. It's a dream come true to do it even once more.”

His team mate Jochen Käß added: “We are very, very happy. It's been five years since the last successful title defence. It's great that we did it, especially facing such a strong field of competitors.”

Crazy Velo Shop Scott earns first title In the women's event, Cornelia Hug (SUI) and Andrea Fässler (SUI) have been able to step up their game compared to last year when Team Crazy Velo Shop Scott finished as runner-up team. This time, the Swiss racers brought home their career's first win (34:10:03.5) while also winning their sixth stage after 4:15:23.6.

I'm super happy and speechless,” said Hug. “I really don't know what to say except that I have the best team partner you could ask for.”

Silke Schrattenecker (AUT) and Barbara Mayer (AUT) of Nakita Powermums came in second (4:25:13.9) and also finished the Transalp as second best women's team (+39.58).

Celina Carpinteiro (POR) and Isabel Caetano (POR) of BTT Loulé/BPI/Berg Cycles/Sram managed to bring home their first top-3 result at their Transalp debut as today's third.

Sarah Bosch (GER) and Danièle Troesch (FRA) of Mountain Heroes, who placed fifth today, rounded out the overall podium as third.

De Bertolis/Laner unbeaten Masters

Bringing home their seventh consecutive stage win in 3:24:34.9 Massimo De Bertolis (ITA) and Andreas Laner (ITA) of AIL Trentino also underlined on the final stage to Riva del Garda why they are the undisputed champions in the Masters category.

In the Mixed classification, wearers of the Orange Leader Jerseys Sally Bigham (GBR) and Ben Thomas (GBR) of Topeak Ergon Racing celebrated their title the best way possible: rolling in to Riva del Garda in first position (3:42:12.0).

Heinz Zörweg (AUT) and Andrew McLean (RSA) of Rad.Sport.Szene Ausseerland Racing, winners of the Senior-Masters category, were able to bring home their sixth stage win in 3:33:12.9.

Special categories

Jochen Weisenseel (GER) of Team Sigma Rox Rocky won the best climber classification called Sigma Vertical Ride for the Red Polka Dot Jersey, Florian Schön (GER) of Scott Bike24 MTN Team 1 the Kenda Enduro-Challenge.

Frank Demuth (GER) of Centurion Vaude 3 defended the White Jersey for the best U23 racer.