BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma

Pernsteiner and Geismayr Take The Lead

Race Release / 21.07.2016

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Hermann Pernsteiner (AUT) and Daniel Geismayr (AUT) have taken over the lead in the overall ranking of the BIKE Transalp powered by Sigma by bringing home their third consecutive stage win. The two Austrians racing forCenturion Vaude 2 mastered the 73.55 km and 2,573 metres of climbing from Livigno to Bormio in 3:21.02,9 hours and therefore were 45,3 seconds faster than so far leading Topeak Ergon Racing 1 with Alban Lakata (AUT) and Kristian Hynek (CZE) who crossed the finish line in second position (3:21.48,2).

As a result, only 5,9 seconds do separate the two strongest pairs of the 19th Transalp edition after four out of seven days.

Earning their this year's first podium finish, Johnny Cattaneo (ITA) and Tony Longo (ITA) of Wilier Force 1 came in as third best men team (3:22.14,3; +1.11,4).

The strongest Italian duo therefore was one of the few pairs – including today's fourth ranked Team Bulls 1 Karl Platt (GER) and Urs Huber (SUI) who rolled in the new stage town with a deficit of 2.34,6 minutes – to keep up the high pace over the most time of this hot stage and its three massive climbs Passo Alpisella, Doess Radond and the highest peak of the race week Bocchetta di Forcola.

However, the decision about the win didn't take place in the final climb of a “brutal stage” (Hermann Pernsteiner) but in the descent with start at the iconic moon-like landscape of Bocchetta di Forcola.

“We all suffered from the altitude at the top. Then we attacked in the downhill. We do have a superb package this year. We are strong in the climbs, and we are also fast in the descents,” said Pernsteiner before adding: 

“We didn't expect it but are happy about the lead. However, it's still three days to go and I guess we will see some more tough fighting. This lead is nothing.”

Alban Lakata was also surprised after the finish and falling behind in the overall ranking which led to an exciting title battle: “It's going to be a very close decision. We didn't want to risk too much in the final descent. We are currently loosing time in the downhills. It's like it is. Unfortunately it didn't work out today. Now we have to hope that we can reduce arrears again.”

First Win for Women Leaders

Sarah Reiners (GER) and Cemile Trommer (GER) of Team Nutrixxion Focus RAPIRO have celebrated their career's first Transalp stage win clocking in a time of 4:44.13,5 on the leg from Livigno to Bormio.

“We are more than happy that we finally have our stage win after we took over the overall lead yesterday. We keep on concentrating on ourselves and don't get deterred by our rivals as we are having advantages in the technical sections,” said Cemile Trommer with a smile.

The bearer of the Pink Jerseys are now more than 5.30 minutes ahead of Lorenza Menapace (ITA) and Elisabeth Ann Simpson (GBR) of Val di Sole Bikeland_Lady who came in as third best female pair (4:48.49,1).

Grand Master Leader Under Pressure

By bringing home their third consecutive stage win (4:03.07,1) Thomas Damm (GER) and Peter Vesel (SLO) of Scott Fahrradladen Gudensberg were able to reduce their gap on leading grand master racers Hansjuerg Gerber (SUI) and Daniel Annaheim (SUI) again who came in as second ranked duo (4:03.16,7).

But team baumat/bikeholiday.ch has still an advantage of 46,5 second on the Germans who seem to be more than willing to catch up again tomorrow.

Master and Mixed Leaders Take Another One

Massimo Debertolis (ITA) and Andreas Laner (ITA) of Wilier Force 2 (3:39.42,7) as well as Sally Bigham (GBR) and Ben Thomas (GBR) of Topeak Ergon Racing 3 (3:59.33,0) celebrated stage win four out of four in the respective master and mixed category.

Stage 5

Tomorrow's queen's stage will not only feature Passo Gavia and Alta Via Camuna but also 86.32 km and 3,073 metres of climbing from Bormio to Mezzana.

For a more precise stage preview and further news on the race please visit bike-transalp.de.

Results

You can find all results of stage four, which will be constantly updated throughout the day, online.