Sauser wins Trans German opener

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Christoph Sauser claimed victory on the first stage of the 2010 Trans Germany. The former World Champion from Switzerland secured his triumph on the 81.44km opening stage from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany to Lermoos, Austria, peppered with 2154m of climbing , due to his acceleration on the last climb to the Tuftlalm.

Last year's first bearer of the yellow jersey, Austria's Alban Lakata (Topeak Ergon Racing), finished as runner-up, 1:03 behind Sauser. Germany's Christian Schneidawind (Team Texpa-Simplon) rounded out the podium in third, 1:38 down.

Based on the first day's result, Sauser felt content and confident after his winning ride through cold and rainy weather conditions. "It was a stiff piece of work facing these rough conditions. But I felt good the whole time. When we began the [final] ascent, I threw in everything I could."

On the women's side, Elisabeth Brandau (Team Haibike) impressively celebrated the win on the first stage. The 24-year-old crossed the finish line in Lermoos with a 3:38 advantage over the top favourite from Finland, Pia Sundstedt (Craft-Rocky Mountain). Birgit Söllner (Firebike-Drössiger) came in third, 12:53 behind Brandau.

The Schönaich resident was surprised about her new role as hunted rider. "I didn't expect this at all," said Brandau. "I mean, I just raced and wanted to see what came out. But the lead is nice, for sure!"

The marathon experience of the 2008 German Champion paid off for Brandau, who is racing more cross country this year.

Zörweg fastest master

In the competition of the 40+ men, Heinz Zörweg brought home his first day win at his Trans Germany debut. The multiple TransAlp champ from Austria underlined his good shape with a finish time of 3:22:08. Title defender Johann Grasegger (Team Garmisch-Partenkirchen) had to settle for second (3:24:29). Bavaria's long-time leading Christian Pösl, who rides for today's stage town hosting the finish and thus team Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, came in third.

2009 champion ties on to last year's triumph rides

Milan Spolc simply does what he can do best: winning Trans Germany stages in the 50+ class. After he had won all seven stages last year, he also clinched victory on today’s 2010 opening stage. In a time of 3:43:42, the Czech mountain biker rolled into Lermoos. 5:32 behind of the senior master title defender, Allgau resident Ferdinand Ganser from team Craft-Rocky Mountain followed as runner-up, although having had the lead for a while. Netherland's Ad van De Sande (Ventoux Tilburg) finished as third.

Stage 2: Lermoos, Austria - Pfronten, Germany

Tomorrow's second stage and its 82 kilometres and 1,200 metres in altitude will lead back to Germany. On the way from Lermoos to Pfronten, a total of three climbs have to be conquered on a route design which reminds of the last year's feared sawtooth. A constant up and down will cost a lot of strength.

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