If it’s October, it must be Crocodile Trophy time. And Cape to Cape, and Brazil Ride. It’s a busy month for major stage races! But the action in Tropical North Queensland has been hot from the gun.
The 22nd Crocodile Trophy kicked off with a brutal stage 1 today in Cairns. The Crocodile Trophy elite leader jerseys are both going to Belgium: Sebastien Carabin and Alice Pirard claim the victories today.
The 22nd Crocodile Trophy kicked off with a brutal stage 1 today in Cairns. Riders from all over the world and Australia raced from the magnificent Pacific Palms Resort into the Smithfield MTB Park, where 4 laps had to be completed in the challenging midday heat. A tough climb took them back onto the finish fire trail and the resort.
The cross-country specialist Sebastien Carabin from Belgium took out the first stage ahead of Urs Huber (SUI) and the Austrian Matthias Grick.
In the elite females, the Belgian National Marathon Champion, Alice Pirard won while one of Australia’s best road racers, Ruth Corset, took second place and Annemiek van Vleuten came in third. Amateur woman Anita Narula (AUS) finished as third woman outright in the field behind Corset.
“Today was very difficult – very technical. I liked it – my background is cross-country, so it was good for me. But it was very challenging for me, because I lost my drink after two laps – it was very hot and I was getting tired. But it was nice, a good start,” said race winner Sebastien Carabin.
Carabin on the move at Smithfield.
2015 winner Urs Huber came in 2nd, behind the Belgian. “I’m content with my race today, this is not the ideal length of race for me, I prefer the longer marathons. But I know that I’ll be able to make up the time I lost today over the next few days… hopefully. That’s why I tried not to overdo it today, I tried to have a solid race and that’s what I achieved, so that’s why I’m happy with my performance today.I’m content with my race today, this is not the ideal length of race for me, I prefer the longer marathons. But I know that I’ll be able to make up the time I lost today over the next few days… hopefully. That’s why I tried not to overdo it today, I tried to have a solid race and that’s what I achieved, so that’s why I’m happy with my performance today.”
Alice Pirard on the attack. Photo: Regina Stanger
Alice Pirard has made a return to the Crocodile Trophy fater her first visit in 2012, and came out on top today. “It was a great day – I really love Smithfield and the bike park! That’s why I keep coming back! I tried to pace myself because it’s still such a long race and actually the women’s race today was very interesting I was only in third position after the four laps on the course – it was captivating. I managed to stay on the bike for the last climb and didn’t have to walk and I think that made me take the first place. Then I rode down the hill safely, I really enjoyed every switchback and the technical stuff. The riding here is just so different to Europe, I really enjoy it.” Pirard knows that there is a long race ahead, and this has just been a taste of what is to come.
“I’m happy that I have a stage win and the leader jersey already, but I know I have to pace myself, we’ll see what happens, it’s not decided until next Saturday.”
Annemieke van Vleuten has recovered from her horrific crash in the Olympic road race, and was 4th woman over the line today. “Today was a bit difficult for me – I didn’t have time to check out the track beforehand because I had to have my bike fixed yesterday, which had been damaged. So I was a bit surprised about it all. I’m her for fun, for me it’s not a competition – I’m in the elite category, but actually when it comes to mountain biking I’m an amateur, I’m here to enjoy the race – my road season is finished and I’m really glad to be here. This is a holiday for me. I’ll see what the next few stages bring, maybe one of them is a bit more suited to me and then I’ll go for it. But really, I just want to stay safe and healthy and have a good time. I feel good again [after the crash in Rio] and I want to stay like that. For me, this is a wonderful way to see more about Australia, this is my first time in Cairns.”
Ruth Corset said, “The heat was quite hard, I ran out of water – I thought my 2l Camelbak was enough, but I ran out of it on the last lap before the fire road finish and started cramping a bit. I had a salt tablet though, which kept me going. I feel a bit dehydrated, but I’ll make sure to recover well tonight and look forward to tomorrow.” Chances are Ruth’s road endurance and good mountain biking skill will come into play in the coming stages.