MTB cycling: The fourth run of the iXS German Downhill Cup was on the program last weekend in Tabarz, Thuringia. With the best weather, the spectators were offered downhill cycling at the highest level. Dutchman Tom Bersselaar (IK-Picture Racing) caused a surprise with his victory in the men's race.
More than 400 drivers from eleven nations fought for further important points for the overall ranking 2000 on the 2015 meter long downhill slope. The weather conditions were ideal. The track with about 250 meters of altitude was dry and therefore offered a lot of grip for good times. This was particularly evident at the seeding run on Saturday by current championship leader Rick Balbierer (Team NRG) and his teammate Andreas Sieber, who shone with best times. In the women's category, Sandra Rübesam (Rose Factory Racing) showed that she's back after her injury break at the beginning of the year.
A very dusty track awaited the drivers on Sunday. The hard-fought top spot in the Elite Men category left little time to breathe. Dutchman Tom Bersselaar was able to hold his own in front of Rick Balbierer with a fraction of a second, while Felix Heine (MRC YoungGuns) took third place. Sandra Rübesam was able to repeat the convincing performance of the previous day on the final day and thus secured the day's victory in Tabarz in a superior manner. Kim Schwemmer (Herobikes) and Maria Franke (Next Racing Generation) followed in the other places.
The penultimate run of the iXS German Downhill Cup will take place in three weeks on the Absolute Downhill in Ilmenau.