Jeantex Bike Transalp 2008
Team Bulls Express Rides To Third Stage Win
24.07.2008
In front of the Austrians, Benjamin Rudiger and Matthias Bettinger from Rothaus-Cube 1 placed second (3:35:24.7) taking over the third overall place. Today’s podium was rounded out by Bjoern Papstein and Holger Sievers from team idworx-offtraxx.net (3:36:07.1).
It came down to the wire after the downhill to Lago di Giacom, when both Bulls bikers attacked in the climb up to the Passio Alpisella blowing up the so far leading group which consisted of a few teams. “We quickly gained a lead and kept our rhythm thereafter� explained Karl Platt after the finish.
It was the moment when team Craft and Friends, which has performed so strongly so far in the mountains had to let go. “I guess that both have invested too much over the first days. I think, what I was expecting just came true� said the five-time Transalp winner. “In contrast we saved power so far. When I couldn’t go as fast as I wanted or needed I just took it slowly. I didn’t expect that it would work out so well. But I hope that we can continue like this� said Platt.
Heinz Verbnjak from fourth placed Craft and Friends added: “Martin couldn’t keep up with the pace. Since he tore his spleen he has problems in high altitudes. But we are not too disappointed and won’t throw in the towel. It’s still a long way to Lake Garda.�
Meanwhile, the battle for the third spot, which was taken over by Rothaus-Cube 1 today gets more and more interesting. Rudiger/Bettinger are 33 seconds ahead of their team colleagues Rothaus-Cube 2. Another 17 seconds behind is Team Vaude-Simplon 1. “The battle for the podium is a brutal and close one� said Matthias Bettinger. “Our goal is to make it in the top 3. And there is no better motivation than today’s second place.�
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