The first of four stages of the 14th International Alpentour Trophy 2012 saw a Czech racer take the day’s stage win. Kristian Hynek crossed the line almost 4 minutes ahead of Swiss racer Urs Huber. Two seconds behind Huber, the Austrian World Champion Alban Lakata reached the finish. The Elite Women’s field was dominated by favourite Sally Bigham.
The Czech rider Kristian Hynek settled into the leading position early on the 63 kilometres and 2800 metres of elevation of today’s first stage. “It was a hard stage onto the Hochwurzen. In a moment of inattention I came off track and the chasing group almost caught up to me. However, I dug deep and could expand my lead again and kept it until the finish”, so the content Czech racer. Urs Huber, double-winner at the Crocodile Trophy, was able to overtake the Austrian Alban Lakata right before the finish. The World Champion from Eastern Tyrol, so far overall winner at the Alpentour Trophy twice, was happy about the luck with the weather and satisfied with his performance. “After two recent crashes and a training break I am happy with my performance. I didn’t push it today, because there are three hard days ahead still. Kristian really deserves today’s win, he raced really well.”
Urs Huber raced into 2nd position on Stage 1. Photo: Regina Stanger
In the Elite Women’s field, the British Champion and Vice-World Champion Sally Bigham grabbed the leader’s jersey with a superior win. She claimed the title ahead of the Dutch rider Monique Zeldenrust and the Swiss racer Nadia Walker. “The conditions today were right down my alley. I love climbing and felt really strong”, said the happy rider from Britain in the finishing area.
Sally Bigham climbs, and then descends, to a clear win on Stage 1. Photo: Regina Stanger
In the Masters category the Dutch racing legend and first Olympic Cross Country Champion Bart Brentjens won about 40 seconds ahead of the Austrian Georg Koch. Third was the German rider Max Friedrich.
Wolfgang Krenn was unfortunately not at the start line. Despite being a local favourite, Krenn has had to pull out due to persistent knee problems.
If you're not in this group on Day 1 - you may not enjoy the next few days much... Photo: Regina Stanger
Results
Elite Men:
1. Kristian Hynek (9) / CZE / Specialized MTB Team / 3:13.03
2. Urs Huber (19) / SUI / STÖCKLI PRO TEAM / 3:16.59
3. Alban Lakata (2) / AUT / Topeak Ergon Racing Team / 3:17.01
Elite Master:
1. Bart Brentjens (NED) / Milka-Superior mountainbike racing team / 3:38.40
2. Georg Koch (AUT) / Zweirad Janger Simplon / 3:39.22
3. Max Friedrich (GER) / Ergon 24h Racing Team / 3:39.32
Elite Women:
1. Sally Bigham (432) / GBR / Topeak Ergon Racing Team / 3:54.24
2. Monique Zeldenrust (434) / NED / Giant / 4:27.09
3. Nadia Walker (437) / SUI / Stöckli Swiss Team / 4:27.48