Phillipp Ludescher won a thrilling sprint finish on a shortened stage nine of the 2010 Crocodile Trophy. The stage was cut by 40 kilometres due to extremely high water levels in the Bloomfield River.
“The Bloomfield River’s water levels are extremely high this year. To cross it would be totally irresponsible,” explained race director Gerhard Schonbacher at the morning’s riders briefing. As a consequence, the route was reduced to 80 kilometres. Not only did this save the riders’ legs 40 kilometres, but took out a decisive climb near the finish.
As with any race, a shorter distance does not make an easier race. Team McSabutage took full advantage of the change in circumstance, with their riders René Haselbacher and Phillipp Ludescher active throughout the day. Although the youngest competitor in the race, Ludescher is an elite road racer and he used his on-road skills to take out the sprint in a time of 2:37:26, just in front of yesterday’s victor Allan Oras and Canadian Cory Wallace.
“Rene constantly attacked while I was happy riding in the bunch,” said a grateful Ludescher afterwards.
Attempted breaks from the bunch were frequent, but it was only Ludescher, Wallace and Oras who had the legs to make it stick.
Overall race leader Urs Huber finished comfortabely in 2:38:09, despite having a broken spoke in the stage. With only the final time trial to go, the Swiss rider does not feel too much pressure from his closest rival Bart Brentjens.
“Today I began to notice that I’m tired. But if nothing happens my time gap should be enough,” said Huber.
Abby McLennan still leads the women’s race and is relishing the opportunity for some time off the bike, “I think I will have a break after tomorrow, we have been training non-stop for the past two years for the race and I’m looking forward to a break.”
A beachfront finish awaits the riders tomorrow, but not before a steep 38 kilometre time trial. The first riders will be finishing around midday Queensland time. Stay tuned to MarathonMTB.com for results.