MTB cycling: At the 16th edition of the Rothaus Hegau Bike-Marathon, Sabine Spitz and the Austrian Daniel Geismayr lived up to their role as favourites. Local hero Tim Böhme did not have a good day and finished his last professional race in front of his home crowd in 15th place.
One year after the World Championships, the 16th edition of the Rothaus Hegau Bike Marathon was on the agenda in Singen last Sunday. This year's edition was also Tim Böhme's farewell performance. The local hero took part in almost every Rothaus Hegau bike marathon, but this year was the last time as a professional athlete. The favorite roles, however, were awarded to two other drivers: Sabine Spitz and Daniel Geismayr.
The women's race was characterized by tactics. After 31 of a total of 80 kilometers, a group of eight riders was in the lead, including Sabine Spitz. This used the rise towards Hohentwiel for the first blasting of the group. At the Hohenstoffel, the leading group was then reduced to Silke Ulrich, Sabine Spitz and Esther Süss. However, Silke Ulrich was no longer able to keep up with the pace on the Plören, which ultimately meant she dropped back to third place. Sabine Spitz and Esther Süss fought for victory, which the Olympic champion was able to claim with a lead of four seconds.
In the men's event, the eventual winner, Daniel Geismayr, risked a long solo. After less than 40 kilometers, the Austrian used a climb to attack. With almost 60 kilometers to go, Geismayr was alone in the lead. A lead that the Austrian no longer gave up. After 98 kilometers, Daniel Geismayr crossed the finish line 1:58 minutes ahead of Konny Looser, closely followed by Markus Kaufmann. For the local hero Tim Böhme, the last Rothaus Hegau bike marathon in his professional career did not go according to plan: With a deficit of 14:03 minutes, it was only enough for 15th place.
Photos © Thomas Lienig