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Saab Salomon Outdoor; Simply Unbeatable

11.09.2009

To say that Andrew Symonds and Tom Owens rushed it to the finish line today would be yet another understatement; 'blasting through the course' would be a more accurate description of their performance. Despite a distance of 34.51 kilometers, a vertical gain of 2,004 meters and an even bigger vertical loss in their legs, the two British racers did not appear particularly exhausted upon arriving in Silandro after 03:34:46.0 hours. (They were so quick the finish wasn't quite ready and they had to run in a second time for the cameras!)

Team 'Saab Salomon Outdoor's landslide time beat the previous stage record by amazing 40 minutes. With no snow on the trail, dry conditions in the early morning and comfortable temperatures for racing, other teams also managed to obliterate the record. Italy's 'Telmekom Team Südtirol' (Michael Fischer and Roland Osele), for instance, came in second with a time of 03:50:03.0 hours, while Thomas Geisenberger and Michael Veit ('Team Dr. Steinbauer') raced to third place in 03:53:33.2 hours.

Despite these landmark times, the two second- and third-placing Men's teams hardly have a chance to threaten the British 'Blitz' team at this point. Tom Owens and Andrew Symonds have maintained demoralizing high speeds throughout the stage, already establishing a huge lead by the time they reached the first food stop today.

Owens explained what spurred them on: "We just felt great. The course was very inspiring and we managed to run at an even faster pace because of it."

<b>Overall victory within reach of Team 'Saab Salomon Outdoor'</b>

With the finish at Latsch almost within sight down valley and only one relatively lenient climb to go, the 'British Blitz' team now feels confident about winning the race. Andrew Symonds, who is also enjoying a family vacation with his wife and five-month-old son this week, added: "We've really enjoyed this week up to now and hope to be able to do so tomorrow as well, which means getting through without injuries."

Several other teams also tried to put the finishing touches on their established ranks during today's stage between Malles and Silandro. Both second- and third-placing Men's teams had hoped to settle the race by midday. Roland Osele of 'Telmekom Team Südtirol' shared their strategy: "We had planned an attack on the way up to Rappenscharte Pass. And indeed we managed to get away and keep it that way." Team colleague Fischer added: "We want to arrive in Latsch in third place overall. That's why we launched our assault today. With the mission accomplished we can now enjoy tomorrow's stage."

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