Hochenwarter wins Alpentour crown

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Uwe Hochenwarter won the final stage of the Alpentour Trophy, and in doing so clinched the overall title. The Austrian came home ahead of Tim Wynants (Trek-Brentjens MTB Racing Team) and Benjamin Sonntag (Cannondale Factory Team).

In the overall, Hochenwarter won ahead Bjorn Brems (G-Skin Deforche) and Matthias Leisling (Muskelkater Genesis Team).

“It’s madness. I just rode the best five kilometres of my life”, gasped a jubilant Uwe Hochenwarter at the finish line at the main square in Schladming. With only 20 seconds ahead of the event’s runner-up, the Austrian had been riding alongside Bjorn Brems until the last downhill and was then able to enjoy the final to the full, after the Belgian had been stopped by a flat tire.

“Before the Tour I would have never expected such a result. It just went like clockwork throughout all four days”, says the 24-year-old.

The success of the Muskelkater Genesis-rider is completed by the third place of his team mate Matthias Leisling. The German rider was able to close the gap on Bjorn Brems, however, his advance was not enough to overtake the G-Skin Deforche rider in the overall.

“Uwe was extremely strong today. Nevertheless I was able to claim the mountain stage. I suffered badly, but I’m very happy with today’s result”, said Brems.

In the women’s elite category the results of the two previous days was repeated: the 23-year-old Natalia Krompets crossed the finish line directly in front of her 17-year-old team mate Yana Belomoyna.

“This is my first big victory. In the beginning I had difficulties coping with the cold weather and the for me unusually long ascents. However, then I was able to find my rhythm again."

Overall, more than 200 riders from four continents started the four strenuous stages across the mountain ranges of Hochwurzen, Reiteralm, Ramsau and Hauser Kaibling and completed 247 kilometres and more than 9,500 m of elevation.

Full Results