800 mountain bikers from more than 30 countries will line up at the start line in Sonthofen, Germany, this Wednesday, June 6th and thus underline the importance of the four-day stage race in the mountain bike scene again as well as the race’s international reputation. Almost the half of the participants are not from Germany.
In fact, the Germans are – with 445 starters – the main body of the field but also the Dutch (72) and the Danish (50) riders are high in number.
However, the main aspirant for this year’s Trans Germany crown comes from Switzerland, which is sending the fourth-strongest contingent. Reigning champion Christoph Sauser is aiming for the three-peat after he already won in 2010 and 2011.
According to this, the 2004 World Champion and Bronze medalist of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney was already pretty optimistic one month ago: “I want the hatrick.”
But the Swiss title defender has to face a strong competition: on one hand, there is his fellow countryman Konny Looser, a Trans Germany newbie but winner of the 2011 Transalp stage race. On the other hand, there are numerous pros, who have gained some experience in the stage race held in the South of Germany.
Besides the new German Marathon Champion Markus Kaufmann, who placed third last year and also won the best climber classifier, Team Bulls athletes Tim Boehme and Thomas Dietsch (FRA) are part of the extended circle of favorites.
In particularly the Frenchman as Dietsch underlined his superb form by winning the Ardennes Trophy a few days ago. In addition, the 2003 and 2004 European Champion is hoping for his third Trans Germany title after 2008 and 2009.
“I trained very hard for this race. It’s definitely one of my season’s highlights, so I will certainly give my very best,” said the four-time French National Marathon Champion (2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011).
South Africa’s very own David George and Max Knox as well as Belgium’s Robby de Bock are three other international pros able to enter the podium.
Also in the women category, the defending Trans Germany champion will try to keep hold to her title. However, Pia Sundstedt (FIN) of CRAFT – Rocky Mountain will mainly have to lock horns with Swiss Milena Landtwing, who finished in third position twice, in 2010 and 2011. In addition, Trans Germany newbies Alexandra Hueni and US-American Sonya Looney are also strong racers, Sundstedt has to have an eye on.
For more details visit the race website, or check here for daily updates.