Stirnemann upsets Engen to win Albstadt eliminator

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Kathrin Stirnemann (Sabine Spitz Haibike) proved that eliminator world champion and World Cup leader Alexandra Engen (Ghost Factory) can be beaten when she decisively won the third round of the eliminator World Cup in Albstadt, Germany.

Engen, the winner of the first two rounds, looked to be on her way to a third straight victory after qualifying fastest among the women. The Ghost rider conserved her energy in the first two rounds, before winning her semi-final heat to make the final. Stirnemann, by contrast, won every heat on her way to the final. The pair were joined by Linda Indergand (Struby-Bixs) and Anne Terpstra (Betch.nl Superior Brentjens) for the podium race.

Stirnemann easily outdistanced Engen and Indergand, with the World Cup leader barely outkicking her rival at the line for second.

"It is so unbelievable," said Stirnemann. "I felt good. It is just great. It was important to get the win [over Engen] because she has had two victories, and I am still trying to catch her in the overall."

At the halfway point in the World Cup series, Engen has 160 points, with Stirnemann only 35 points back. Jenny Rissveds (Scott-Odlo), who did not race in Albstadt, sits third with 60 points.

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