Lakata outsprints Kulhavy and Sauser for Roc d'Azur marathon victory

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The Topeak-Ergon Racing Team ended the season on a high with Alban Lakata and Sally Bigham winning the marathon at the Roc d'Azur in Frejus, France.

The men's race covered 83km, and just as many races have been this season, it was a dual between European Champion Alban Lakata and the marathon world champion Christoph Sauser (Specialized). This time it was the Albanator who was able to keep his nose ahead. After 3:43:03, the Austrian was the winner, with a four-second lead on Jaroslav Kulhavy (Specialized) and a seven-second lead on Sauser who took third.

As is usually the case, the marathon race at the Roc sees a lead group form following the long climb and the technical downhill. It remained like this for most of the race, until the 500 meters before the line, which was across a long, flat field. It was here that Lakata played to his strengths and hammered towards the line. It was a move that none of his competition could counter.

Following the win, Lakata said, "My legs were super today from the very start. I had no problems at all."

"You couldn't end a season more perfectly. It was a race I had never won, only the cross country."

Runner-up Kulhavy said, "The race was good for our team, but we lost the first position. I am satisfied with my race because I was not 100 percent in form. I had some problems last week, but I wanted to race. I did not have good legs, and it was hard for me, but it was a good race - a nice race with which to end the season."

"It came down to a sprint finish. Alban went early and was stronger than us. We could not play tactics to our advantage and he won," said Sauser.

British National Champion Bigham won the women's race at the Roc Marathon, with a time of 4:41:07. It was the fourth victory for her at the race in a row. "This year it was just about having fun and enjoying the trials," said the 35-year-old. "To win for the fourth time is a perfect end to a fantastic season."

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