July 17/05 1:53 am - TransAlp Stage 2 report

Posted by Editoress on 07/17/05
 

TransAlp Challenge

2nd stage from Mayrhofen to Neukirchen across 85.72 kilometres and 3.427 altitude metres

The old are the new champions

Second stage from Austrian Mayrhofen to Neukirchen with a distance of 85.72 kilometres and 3.427 altitude metres was physically exhausting. With the ascents to Kreuzwiesenalmhütte, Gerlospass and Wildkogel sensational 3.427 altitude metres had to be managed to the second stage arrival in Neukirchen.

“It was a hard stage”, was the comment of the overall ranking leaders in men’ s category Karl Platt and Carsten Bresser (Team Rocky Mountain Business Objects). In 4.17.35 hours and an average speed of 21.11 km/h they kept distance to the dutch-austrian duo Martin Kraler and Bart Brentjens (Giant Racing Team), who crossed the finish line 25 seconds later. Team Stöckli-Papival riders Sandro Späth and Thomas Zahnd reached the finishline six minutes later.

In women’s category marathon-specialists Esther Süss and her teammate Anna Enocsson (Ghost Int. Racing Team) proofed their qualities on the second stage once again. In winner’s time of 5.16.57 hours they increased their lead on second placed Gretchen Reeves and Lesley Tomlinson (Team Rocky Mountain Business Objects) to 30.35 minutes. 30 minutes later than the winning team Sabine Grona and Kerstin Brachtendorf (Team adidas/FIAT Rotwild 2) crossed the finishline.

Another success for Ghost Int. Racing Team on the second stage was celebrated from Jörg Scheiderbauer and his wife Anna Baylis-Scheiderbauer in the mixed catergory. In 4.50.36 hours they reached Neukirchen, four minutes earlier than second placed team with Alison Sydor and Andreas Hestler (Team Rocky Mountain Business Objects). 40 minutes later Marita Staufer und Werner Schellander from austrian team Panaceo arrived fin the inishing area.

Yesterday’s winners in masters category Hans Grasegger and Walter Platzgummer finished the race today on second place, 1.10 minutes later than second stage winners Ekkehard Dörschlag and Siegfried Hochenwarter (Team KTM Generali Hermagor). In third position Werner Wagner and Heinz Zörweg (Team Cube) finished the race to Neukirchen.

The next day’s stage from Neukirchen to Lienz is a tough challenge The Felberntauern must be crested – the up to 12 percent gradient uphill will require all that the competitors have, there is also a total distance of 99.08 km at an altitude of 2.825 meters which will not be easy. We will follow the athletes and the experiences they have on the adidas BIKE Transalp Challenge and report it all up to date.

Stage 2 Results: Mayrhofen to Neukirchen across 85.72 kilometres and 3.427 altitude metres