MTB cycling: Last weekend, the first run of the Specialized-SRAM Enduro Series took place in Treuchtlingen. The German Raphaela Richter (Radon Factory Enduro) and the Czech Michal Prokop (Specialized Racing) were able to prevail among the elite riders on the varied and demanding routes.
In the most beautiful, early summer weather, a total of 2015 participants from 550 nations started at the opening race of the Specialized-SRAM Enduro Series 12. The drivers found perfect conditions: the tracks were dry to dusty, and parts of the stages were newly built. With the event at the weekend, Treuchtlingen in Bavaria was the venue for a run of the Specialized-SRAM Enduro Series for the third time.
On Saturday evening the drivers had to complete the first special stage at the Lupine prologue. The fastest drivers on the floodlit meadow slalom were the two Germans Daniel Ludwig (Scott Germany) and Kim Schwemmer (Herobikes). On Sunday, 24 kilometers were on the program for the amateurs and 32 kilometers for the pros. The drivers were fueled by the many spectators along the stages.
In the Elite Men class, Michal Prokop was able to assert himself at the end of the weekend with a time of 11:37.05 minutes ahead of the two Swiss riders Gustav Wildhaber (Cube Action Team) and Noel Niederberger (SDS Swiss Downhill Syndicate). Raphaela Richter won the women's race with a time of 14:06.09 minutes. The Swiss Monika Büchl (Schmid Velosport) finished second. Third was the winner of the Lupine prologue, Kim Schwemmer. Andre Kleindienst (Endura Bergamont Factory Racing) triumphed in the Pro Masters category with a time of 12:19.55 minutes. Michael Meister (Stuttgarter Härte) and Pole Marcin Motyka (Romet Racing Team) followed in the other places.
The second round of the Specialized-SRAM Enduro Series takes place on 02./3. May as part of the BIKE Festival in Riva del Garda (Italy).