By winning the last of four stages Simon Stiebjahn has impressively underlined why he is the undisputed champion of the 2016 Protective BIKE Four Peaks. The Stuttgart native mastered the final stage in Kirchberg in Tyrol (49km, 2,011m) in 2:21.39,3 hours relegating overall second place Luis Mejia to second place with Austria’s Christoph Soukup of Team Texpa Simplon rounding out today’s podium as third.
In total, the Team Bulls athlete sat 9:24.48,2 hours in the saddle at the four-day stage race (206.50km, 8,145,) to bring home one of his career’s biggest triumphs so far.
“It’s nice to win a stage race. I’m very happy that I was able to clinch all four stages. That’s pretty rare. Now, I’m pretty confident for the world championships next week,” said the 26-year-old after his first Four Peaks participation.
However, the runner-up of the 2015 German marathon championships had to admit that the road to the title wasn’t an easy one: “It’s been four very tough stages. And also today my rivals tried everything in the climbs to put me under pressure – especial Luis [Mejia].”
But in the end, it was Stiebjahn being the only one to follow the pace of his Columbian competitor in the final climb to Pengelstein which led to the same showdown as on the last two days:
Stiebjahn entered the downhill in first position and outpaced Mejia on the famous Fleckalm-Trail by almost one minute therefore bringing home another safe stage win and the title in dominant fashion.
Behind of the 2012 U23 European champion and Mejia it was Uwe Hochenwarter (AUT; Craft-Rocky Mountain Factory) securing the third spot in the overall ranking after four thrilling days in the states of Salzburg and Tyrol.
Parra Sierra wins Bike Four Peaks
Other than her CBZ Asfaltos / 7C teammate Mejia women’s leader Angela Parra Sierra secured the Four Peaks title winning her third consecutive stage (2:58.20,0) ahead of Annette Griner and Regina Genser.
Finish Protective BIKE Four Peaks 2016 in Kirchberg in Tirol, Stage 4 Kirchberg-Kirchberg, 49.00km, 2,011m – Women’s winner Angela Sierra Parra (COL) © allesvonmutti
As a result, the climbing specialist from Columbia celebrated a perfect redemption for her 2014 fourth rank finish posting a total time of 11:41.55,1:
“I’m very, very happy. After 2014, I knew that I could do much better. So I prepared very well for this race. I’m thankful that my team did believe in me and offered me the chance to prove everyone what I’m capable of,” explained Parra Sierra.