October 8/12 14:02 pm - Marathon World Championships

Posted by Editoress on 10/8/12
 

On Sunday, Perikilis Ilias (Greece) was the surprise winner of the Men's title at the UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships held in Ornans France, leading the race from beginning to end.  Annika Langvad from Denmark retained the Women’s title.

The muddy and very difficult course at Ornans, in eastern France, played a key role in the distribution of the medals. Saturday’s summery weather was replaced by rain and fog, which had a considerable effect on the track. To obtain the rainbow jersey, one had to be both physically and mentally strong, and avoid having any significant mechanical problems.

Ilias certainly fulfilled these criteria. At the head of the Elite Men’s race from the start, he maintained that position throughout the entire 84 kilometres. “I didn’t want to break away just then," he explained, "but when I saw that the other weren’t following, I didn’t hesitate, and kept up my effort.”

In spite of two punctures, Ilias held his lead right to the line. He was 2:28 in front of German cross-country pro Moritz Milatz who, struggling from the halfway mark, had “thought of giving up” before getting it back together over the final kilometres. Germany's Kristian Hynek, who crossed the line 2:37 behind, took the bronze medal. Former world champion Christoph Sauser (Switzerland), fourth at 2:58, considered as one of the favourites before the race, failed to make the podium.

At only 26 years of age, Ilias has won the greatest victory of his career. Usually concentrating on cross country, he has been national champion seven times, and was 33rd at the Olympic Games this past summer.

“I trained very hard, and had a very good feeling during the last few days,” he explained. "Although I lost my concentration rather during the last ten kilometres, I held on. It’s my first international win, and I’m very happy.”

Women

It was a bitter fight for victory in the Elite Women’s race. Right from the first climb of the course, Annika Langvad managed to break away from former champion Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway).  Langvad was alone in the lead but, lacking in confidence and looking over her shoulder on many occasions, allowed her rival to catch up and then overtake her.

The 28 year old Langvald, injured several times this season, might have thought that her chances of winning were fading when she had a puncture six kilometres from the end, and then crashed during the last downhill stretch. However, in spite of these incidents, the Danish rider regained her lead and her title of World Champion.

“I arrived here under no pressure, and in a totally relaxed condition,” explained Langvad. “I remained concentrated over the whole length of the course. It’s just incredible to finish the season in this way. Everything went perfectly for me today.”

Langvald beat Dahle Flesjaa by 45 seconds, with the Swiss rider Esther Süss completing the podium at 1:41 back.

UCI report