The first event of the Willingen festival has been won by Peter Hermann of Germany. The racer of Team Firebike Drössiger mastered the long distance (121.52 km, 3,544 m) in 4:46.45,3 hours. Last year’s third ranked athlete relegated Team Bulls riders Tim Boehme (GER, 4:51.24,3) and Karl Platt (GER, 4:56.32,3) to second and third rank, respectively.
The trio had put its stamp on the fast race right from the start. After half of the distance, the three favourites had broken away successfully before it was time for the final battle which kicked off at Haus Wildenstein.
Platt was the first to lose contact on the tough and dry course which was peppered with a constant up and down; reigning German champion Boehme then had to accept defeat at kilometre 85.
“It really surprised me that I was able to beat both”, said Hermann whilst also adding that winning the tradition-rich classic in Willingen is his career’s biggest triumph so far: “Every mountain biker dreams of triumphing in Willingen. Having achieved this goal is outstanding!”
Boehme, who came out victorious two years ago, paid his respect after crossing the finish line: “I blew it around kilometre 80. So, I’m quite disappointed. I came her to win this race but Peter [Hermann] was stronger. It was a very tough race which didn’t gave you any time to relax at all.”
Full men’s results are online.
In the women’s competition, it was Katrin Schwing (GER, 5:56.02,7) of Trek Domatec Team, winner of the Garda Trentino Festival, who secured victory ahead of Jana Zieschank (GER, 6:19.09,5) of Specialized/toMotion Racing and Ellen Blome (GER; 6:55.07,0) of Craft and Friends.
Full women’s results are online.