To warm up, the muscles were used relentlessly directly from the start of the 'Ronda Extrema'. "We rode fast right from the start. It was cold, after all." said Sascha Weber, the winner of the Men's category from the Trek-Vaude team, while grinning. With a time of 3:55.58 hours, he was the only one to complete the demanding course in less than four hours. Hansueli Stauffer from Team BULLS needed 4:02.20 hours for the lap and came in second. With 4:04.15, another Trek Vaude rider - Karl Markt – achieved the third place.
The women's race was dominated by Mona Mitterwallner from Tyrol, who achieved the title as marathon world champion on Elba two weeks ago – as the youngest in history - with the young age of 19 and therefore won the toughest route of Riva with an excellent time of 4:51.18 hours. Where does this talent come from? “I just love mountain biking. I think it's because of this huge passion and my relentless ambition," smiles the likeable young lady. With a time of 4:58.42 hours, Sosna Katazina from the Torpado Südtirol MTB-Team made it to the second step of the podium. Third place went to Paulina Wörz from RSC Kempten with a time of 5:21.07 hours.
Although the routes have been a bit shortened this year, the SCOTT BIKE Marathon has lost none of its ambition and still convinces the participants with technical trails, long climbs and tricky descents as well as dreamlike panoramas.
The 'eMTB-Challenge' was not that much more comfortable, despite the motor support. On a varied and technically demanding course, numerous participants needed strong legs, riding skills and a sense of direction in addition to an energy efficient riding style. The most versatile rider and thus winner of the race in the Men Advanced category was Tiago Ladeira, followed by Emanuel Pombo in 2nd place and Nuno Reis in 3rd place.
Alia Marcellini was the winner in the Advanced Women's category. Second place went to Nathalie Schneitter, third place to Stephanie Rinner.
And now it's time to celebrate today’s successes at the 'Open Night'. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. you can enjoy the evening in a great atmosphere to give the day a joyful ending together with all the other bike enthusiasts.
