New German national champs crowned

Erhard Goller

Sabine Spitz (Specialized) and Moritz Milatz (Multivan-Merida) were crowned national champions of Germany last weekend at the Gonso Albstadt-MTB-Classic in Albstadt.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd of more than 10,000 (despite the competition from the football World Cup), Spitz earned her sixth title in a row, beating Fort William winner Nina Goehl and three-times cyclo-cross World Champion Hanka Kupfernagel. "I was a little bit uncertain because I was sick last week," Spitz said. "But at the end, the legs were working very well. Together with my first title [this is] the most emotional one. I'm happy to wear the jersey another year. If I could, I would take this crowd in a big bus and take it with me to every race, it's fantastic."

Lado Fumic, six-time consecutive winner of the men's title, was beaten by the impressive Milatz, who won his first title. Jochen Kaess placed third. "I cannot understand ... what I have done, not yet," Milatz said. "My legs were very good and after being in the lead I took my rhythm and enjoyed this super atmosphere. It was sensational."