Craft Bike Trans Germany
Defending Trans Germany Champion Takes Stage One Victory
News Release / 02.06.2011
The Specialized Factory racer mastered the Allgau stage of Germany’s biggest mountain bike stage race in a time of 2:49:21.8 hours. The 35-year-old thus relegated reigning World Champion Alban Lakata (AUT) from Topeak Ergon Racing to the runner-up spot (2:50:16.0). Centurion-Vaude biker Markus Kaufman rounded out the podium as third (2:52:08.6).
With an eye on the competition, Sauser, who laid the foundation to victory on the first stage last year too, gained first advantage. 54.2 seconds is a comfortable margin in a high class field like this one– although there are still three more days to go.
“This advantage gives me the opportunity to ride more defensively. That’s the reason why I was aiming to win the first stage; despite the fact that I’m still not in top shape after last weekend’s World Cup in Offenburg�, the Sigriswil resident said.
Today’s triumph was won at the last of four climbs up to Edelsberg. Sauser attacked the leading group of four which had been able to break away over the previous ascents. The Swiss rider pedaled away; only Lakata was able to hold the pace. “I was able to keep up pretty well. But then, Susi (Christoph Sauser) went on/off again and again. He got away with this as I wanted to ride my own rhythm�, the three-time Austrian Champion explained.
On the last kilometers down into the finish of the royal stage, Sauser, well-known for his skills on descents, piled on second after second to his advantage. But his main pursuer Lakata isn’t in the mood yet to throw in the towel. “I hope that it will get better. Maybe, something is possible tomorrow. I will try to attack�, said the 32-years-old East Tyrolean.
<b>Kaufmann With a Strong Performance</b>
Centurion-Vaude biker Markus Kaufmann also gave notice of his outstanding shape. After he won the Tegernsee Marathon last weekend, the Meckenbeuren resident raised the ante today, upstaging some of the top aces.
Besides his first ever top-3 result at the Trans Germany, he also took over the lead in the best climber classification, and will be wearing the Green Jersey tomorrow.
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