BIKE Four Peaks
Christoph Sauser victory leaves the Swiss racer close to defending his 2013 title
Press Release / 06.06.2014
Neukirchen am Großvenediger, June 6, 2014 – Christoph Sauser (SUI) has also put his mark on the third day of the 2014 Protective BIKE Four Peaks. The man in the Yellow Jersey of Specialized Racing mastered the 46.26 km and 2,465 metres of altitude on the short but very demanding stage from Kirchberg in Tyrol to Neukirchen am Großvenediger in 2:36:04.3. The reigning World Champion edged off Daniel Geismayr (AUT) of Centurion Vaude (2:36:50.6) and Alban Lakata (AUT) of Topeak Ergon (2:36:52.1) to second and third. Thanks to his third consecutive win the 2000 Olympic bronze medallist will enter tomorrow's final stage from Neukirchen to Kaprun with a comfortable lead of some three minutes over his strongest pursuer Kristian Hynek (CZE) of Topeak Ergon who finished in fourth (2:36:53.8) today.
Outstanding conditions to defend his 2013 Four Peaks title
Under blue bird sky and facing the best temperatures for mountain biking, Sauser had made the decisive attack in the climb up to Wildkogel and successfully broke away. “I wanted to be the first to enter the last downhill,” he said. “You couldn't ride it at full speed as there were many little stones and a lot of sharp edges. You had to stay focused and stay level-headed.” In reference to tomorrow's final 75.07 km and 1,955 metres of altitude the fastest athlete of this year's four-day stage race added: “I'm very happy that I was able to extend my lead again. I will try to defend it tomorrow.”
While the Sigriswil native is trying to keep hold on his title Markus Kaufmann (GER) is also close to an unexpected repeat of his last year's win in the best climber classification. The Centurion Vaude pilot, who finished in sixth position today, had been first on the peak of the classified slope for the best climber classification today and has now 70 points to his belt. A fourth rank in tomorrow's classification (13 points) would definitely earn him the Red Polka Doted Jersey of the 'Peak Hero of the Bayerischen Staatsforsten powered by fi'zi:k'. In the Enduro-Challenge everything looks good for Karl Platt (GER). The Team Bulls pro was once again the best racer in the trail trial for the Speed Hero and will wear the Green Jersey tomorrow again.
Marchart-Robeischl extends lead in women's category
In the women's event, the wearer of the Yellow Jersey also celebrated a stage win three-peat. Petra Marchart-Robeischl (AUT) of RC Union Eindruck Sarleinsbach mastered the course form Tyrol to Salzburg in 3:34:22.2. Regina Genser (GER) finished in second position (3:35:59.0). The Craft-Rocky Mountain racer convinced with her technical skills in the three pretty challenging trails and celebrated her first podium finish. Cornelia Hug (SUI) rounded out the podium as third (3:38:50.6). However, the CrazyVeloShop-Scott team member still sits in second position of the women's ranking but has already a deficit of 10:20 minutes on Marchart-Robeischl.
In the category for the 40+ racers Oswald Ehrmann (GER) of toMotion Racing by black tusk was able to bring home the stage win in 3:16:03.5. The German capitalized on the misfortune of Hansjürg Gerber (SUI). The leader in the master category had to handle two technical defects and finished fourth (3:23:02.1). However, the bikeholiday-acefactory represent is still leading the 40+ classification. Heinz Zörweg (AUT) of Rad.Sport.Szene.Ausseerland once again triumphed in the grand master classification. The best 50+ rider impressed with a winning time of 3:02:17.0. For further information and a daily (German) live ticker visit bike-fourpeaks.de
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