iBikeRide.com

UCI 16/03/2008.. After an exciting finish, the French rider Thomas Dietsch took honours in the first leg of the World Cup in Manavgat, Turkey. The world’s number one last year, the French rider confirmed that he is the marathon boss. Pia Sundstedt (Finland) won the women’s race.

Dietsch’s victory did not come without a fight from ex-Olympic champion, Miguel Martinez. Making his comeback after only year’s absence from the international racing scene (he decided to retire from competition in 2006), Martinez was very impressive in Turkey. And maybe without a flat tire 20km from the finish, the story would have been different.

In the middle of the race’s most difficult section, the “barrage” climb, Martinez moved into first position. Behind him, Dietsch couldn’t keep in contact. Before the long downhill Miguel Martinez was a minute ahead of his rival, but not for long. A flat tire put him out of the running, and Dietsch was able to ride effortlessly to victory.

“I’m very happy, relieved. I’m going to take a holiday now. I’m the new World Cup leader.”

Austrian rider Alban Lakata took second place, followed be the German “Bull Boys” Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm.

In the women’s race, the Finnish rider Pia Sundstedt won the first Marathon World Cup leg by just five seconds after a tough battle with Italian Annabella Stropparo. Switzerland’s Esther Suss took third place.

The next leg of the UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Cup will take place in Ornans, France, from October 4th – 5th.

Source UCI http://www.uci.ch/templates/UCI/UCI5/layout.asp?MenuId=MTI1OTU