Sabine Spitz (Central Pro) won her third race back after returning to racing following surgery and eight months out of competition. The German and her teammate Lisi Osl went one-two at the International Mountain Bike Bundesliga round in Albstadt, Germany, on Sunday. The win came at the HC-categorized Gonso Albstadt MTB Classic.
Spitz, the 2008 Olympic cross country Champion, overcame heavy rain and extremely muddy and difficult conditions to take the win ahead of Osl and Annika Langvad.
"It's sensational that I could win here in Albstadt again if you knew the history of my season thus far," said Spitz.
"I had a few problems initially, but then I found my rhythm. This victory gives me new confidence for the remainder of the season," she said.
Spitz admitted she was helped by a bit of bad luck for her teammate, Osl, who was sharing the lead with her, but then flatted.
The German returned to elite, international racing at the Offenburg World Cup in Germany in May.
See Cyclingnews' full coverage of the Gonso Albstadt MTB Classic.
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1