Fanger wins latest round of Swiss series

It was a big day for the Giant Swiss Team as Martin Fanger and Jérémy Huegenin went one-two in the seventh round of the Racer Bikes Cup 2009 in Plaffeien. European champion Ralph Näf (Multivan Merida Biking Team) was third on the technically challenging circuit.

"I knew that I was in shape before this race," said an overjoyed Fanger after his win.

At the start, a group of six took to the lead including Näf, the brothers Flückiger, Martin Fanger, Jérémy Huegenin and Marcel Wildhaber. At the end of the first of five laps, the duo of Lukas Flückiger and Martin Fanger were alone at the top. The second lap gave a hint as to who might win since Lukas Flückiger had problems with his shifting.

"That was the moment in which I attacked and I was able to get away decisively," said Fanger who went at the end of lap two and quickly gained one minute.

"I had not quite recovered from the European Championship in Holland," said third placed Näf. "It was a tough, but beautiful race on a magnificent course." Näf credited the younger top two riders for their good performance.

Esther Süss (Wheeler-IXS Pro Team) won the women's race over Swiss champion Katrin Leumann (goldwurst-power / Sputnik). Marielle Saner-Guinchard (BikePark.ch) was third.

"On the climb on each lap, I could drop Kathrin, but she always caught back," said Süss. "As a result, I knew I'd get a win if I could manage the downhill section. It was great fun, and I think of this as a huge victory."

Matthias Rupp took the expected win in the amateur and masters category while Swiss champion Michelle Hediger won the junior women's race. In an exciting junior men's race, Lukas Loretz (Giant-Swiss-Team) got the best of Emilien Barben (Zeta Cycling Club).