Switzerland’s Konny Looser won Sunday’s Big Roc Marathon which was a round of the UCI World Marathon Series. Our editor Ben Thomas finished second. Frans Claes was the first Belgian in fourth position.
The Roc Marathon is the official UCI race for women and a 83km marathon against the clock for experienced mountainbikers looking for a unique experience. The course combined the best elements the region has to offer: arduous climbs, challenging singletracks and technical descents in a beautiful green environment.
German Daniella Schütt triumphed ahead of Belgian Sara Van Peer and Estonia’s Janelle Uibokand. Sara Michielsens was the second Belgian rider in fourth. Britain’s Sharn Hooper completed the top-five.
For those who craved an even bigger challenge the organisers were proud to present the first edition of the BIG Roc Marathon, the official men’s UCI race. The 110 km course was a huge challenge for the very best mountain bikers. New passages severely tested both the physical and technical capacities of the riders in extremely tough conditions with snow beginning to drop from the sky minutes before the start of the race start at 7.30am.
Six riders took to the front with Arne Tureluren, Konny Looser, Hans Becking, Frans Claes, Ben Thomas and Sebastien Carabin. With 20 km to go the finale exploded. Looser took the win, closely beating Thomas and Matthias Alberti. Frans Claes was the first Belgian in fourth.
