EKS Goldenrace marathon, schleitheim, sh

July 2, 2006

A bunch of guys drafting off of me! Photos courtesy of First Foto Factory.

I placed fifth, finishing the 59-kilometre race in 2:29. It contained 1300 vertical metres of climbing, which was very little compared to the 57-kilometre marathon in Mendrisio, where we had to climb 1000 vertical metres more. But because this course was relatively flat, it was FAST and drafting was key. Most of the terrain was gravel or paved road, with a few fun, buff sections of singletrack. Part of the route crossed into Germany, which I noted by the change in signage.

I started off in the top group of four women (including Martina), but two more women unexpectedly caught us. We were all riding together, when all of a sudden the eventual winner caught on to a group of passing men and got away. Five of us stuck together for quite a while, until I got disconnected from the group when another bunch of men came between us. It was very road race/tactical and I let my guard down on that section because I was suffering a little. I only finished two minutes down from second, third and fourth. Argh! If only I'd stayed with them -- they obviously weren't going that much faster!

It was still a fun time and I'm happy with my fifth place and I'm very proud of Martina for her spot on the podium! Congrats!

59km, Licensed Women
1. Wipfli Antonia (Gisler Visiongate) 2:21.11,7
2. Grossglauser Yvonne (Imboden Bike) 2:27.20,2
3. Feldmann Martina (X.O-Felt) 2:27.37,1
4. Kunz Sandy (TG-Hutten) 2:27.50,4 6.38,7
5. Walter Sandra (X.O-Felt) 2:29.42,8 8.31,1
6. Gantenbein Corina (KOBAbiketeam.gr) 2:30.23,2
7. Torresani Cristina (Chälbli Bikes + Service) 2:35.26,9
8. Niederberger Fabienne (X.O-Felt) 2:37.18,4