Current World XCM Champion Alban Lakata will headline a stellar field at this year’s European Cycling Union (UEC) MTB Marathon Championships and will hope to make best use of home course advantage when they take place on June 11, 2011 In Kleinzell, Austria.
Lakata will be joined on the startline by Mirko Celestino, Urs Huber and Lukas Buchli, as well as reigning under-23 European XCM Champion Konny Looser. Last year’s European Championships resulted in a Swiss double, with Ralph Näf and Esther Süss taking out the respective men’s and women’s races at Montebelluna, Italy.
Male course record holder Roman Rametsteiner and former Championship bronze medallist is also confirmed to start. He will defend his 4:33:54 best time over the 100km course. Theresa Kellermayr holds the women’s record at 5:57:49.
According to tradition, the European Championship race will double with a general entry marathon event, with the 11th annual Raiffeisen GRANIT Marathon to act as host this year. It gives participants the opportunity to race over the same course as the professional riders, a day after the Championship race, on June 12. Three course options will be available on the day of the marathon: The Classic (European Championship course) of 100km and 3,000m of climbing; the Small of 50km and 1,500m of climbing; and the Light of 28km and 800m of climbing.
More than 420 volunteers will support the weekend’s racing and ensure all riders enjoy their marathon experience in safety.
“The two most important factors, the course and the team of volunteers, have already been fixed. Above all, an event of this scope needs enormous personnel. For on-track security alone we need almost 300 persons,” said event organisers Norbert Ilk and Klaus Falkinger.
The prize pool for the European Championships stands at €5,700. Amateur participants will have a chance of winning, too, in the weekend’s raffle, which will be stacked with over €5,000 worth of prizes.
Further information on the European Marathon Championships and registrations of the 11th Raiffeisen GRANITE Marathon can be found online at www.granitmarathon.at.