Trans Germany Champ Christoph Sauser in Good Shape to Defend Title

News Release / 19.05.2011

About three weeks prior to the start of the 5th CRAFT BIKE TRANS GERMANY powered by NISSAN some of the main aspirants for the 2011 title stand out. Especially on the men’s side as defending champion Christoph Sauser has applied to start thus being the #1 rider to beat on the track.

Last year’s dominating athlete is definitely aware of his status as reigning champion while underlining that he is willing to keep hold on to his 2010 title: “I’m in a very good shape,” the 35-years-old, who just recently won the Cape Epic for the first time, stated in an interview.

However, the Bronze medallist of the 2000 Olympic Summer Games also cuts down huge expectations: “Two days prior to the Trans Germany I’m competing in a World Cup race. So, I have to recover quickly.”

The complete interview:

<b>Question: In 2010, you raced the Trans Germany for the first time. What do you think about the event?</b>

Christoph Sauser: I really enjoy stage races. The Trans Germany offers four days full of action and is also a good training for all the races to come thereafter. In addition, I get the chance to get to know a new region.

<b>Did you expect to win at your debut?</b>

Yes. I was totally focused on it. But it’s hard to plan a victory. I was in a very good shape but there is more to it than that. When competing in a mountain bike race, one defect or crash can dash all of your hopes.

<b>Last year, you were all on your own facing and beating many top riders who benefitted from the support of a team. Did that make the victory even better?</b>

Of course; it also was a huge motivation to race all alone, without any help.

<b>In 2011, the mission to defend the title could be described once again as “one against all others”. What do you expect?</b>

As I will race without a team I have to be more attentive and have to have a very good knowledge of the route profile. I’m not able to afford to sleep when my competitors attack, especially in the flat.

<b>How do you rate your chances for a title defence?</b>

I’m in a very good shape. But two days prior to the Trans Germany I’m competing in a World Cup race. So, I have to recover quickly.

For further information see <a href="#" onClick="javascript:newsitewindow('http://www.bike-transgermany.de')" class="main">www.bike-transgermany.de</a>.