Soeder named Austria's Cyclist of the Year

By Susan Westemeyer

Christiane Soeder has used her third place in the World Championships time trial to win the title of Austria's Cyclist of the Year. She is the first woman ever to win the award, voted on by officials, trainers and journalists.

The 32 year-old, who is also a doctor, didn't turn pro until 2005. Her Worlds' medal was the first for an Austrian woman and only the second ever for Austria. The men's four-man team won bronze in 1987.

Soeder won the award with 512 points, far ahead of 'cross rider Elisabeth Osl (345 points) and Christian Pfannberger of Team Elk Haus (342 points). Fourth was Team High Road's Bernhard Eisel (310 points) and fifth place went to paracycling time trial World Champion Wolfgang Eibeck (224 points).