A superior Roel Paulissen wins after a start to finish line race. The Belgian was one of the fortunate riders, who didn't have technical problems at the course. So after going with Alexey Medvedev for the early lead, Paulissen left the Russian on the last steep uphill to Schöckl behind.
Austrias hope for being winner of a medal, Alban Lakata, becomes second after a turbulent chase. Lakata, who was behind for a long time broke his breaks. That took him possibly the chance to win. After a thrilling head to head race with Medvedev, who finally became 6th place, the Austrian went for catching Paulissen. But the Belgian won with almost a minute healthy margin.
The third place went to Christoph Sauser, who had - like Lakata - bad luck. Although, the Swiss fighted back and caught the Russian Medvedev.
Surprisingly, Christoph Soukup got 4th place! The second Austrian within the top ten made the native audience celebrate their heroes.

Right after the start, a small group of three riders was taking the lead. Amidst the winner of the Olympic Games 2008 Sabine Spitz from Germany and two Swiss Petra Henzi and Esther Süss. Till Schöckl the three ladies were driving together and controlled the remaining riders. At the dreaded downhill from Schöckl, the former World Champion Petra Henzi got technical troubles and finished third with almost 3 minutes behind. The favorite Sabine Spitz led through the whole race and won clearly the final sprint against Esther Süss."While riding the course I wasn't really sure what I'm doing here, but after finishing I am satisfied with the 13th place. Although I am glad to be returned in one piece, I didn't take to much risk while being a mom now. It was great fun and I will come back next year to St. Wendel to fight for a medal" promises former World Champion Gunn-Rita Dahle. Best Austrian rider became Nina Duftner from Vienna: "As amateur rider I am really satisfied to be on 20th place".

Press fotos of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 09 available!

Right in time the rain from former days stopped and the sun welcomes the audience, the riders and the organizing commitee to the UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships 09.
The really rough course is still ready to be driven. The Leberstraße truns out as "alpe d'route" from the mountains around Graz.
In the center of Stattegg, where everything occurs and comes together, but even on numerous places beside the trails thousands of people cheer for the athletes. Perfectly staged live timing and live streaming make the Marathon World Championships 09 to a glassy event.
A large variety of culinary highlights around Graz are offered. The catering stands are literally overran.

livestreaming...

Follow the race via Live-Timing and check the interim times and final results

Politicians, organizers and athletes celebrate the official opening ceremony at the village square Stattegg.

40 children from the region around and the community Stattegg itself welcome the participating nations in a very emotional way. Each child learned to say "Welcome" in the nations respectively language.
Even the superstars of the mountain bike scene were presented at the stage to the audience. Especially Alban Lakata (AUT) and Sabine Spitz (GER) who are traded as favorites.
A crowded village square in Stattegg proves the really strong connection between the residents and the mountain bike sport.
The enthusiastic elite riders from 35 nations expect a rough race.
There haven't been so many favorites at the same start so far - 3 winners of the Olympic Games fight versus 4 World Champions!
Alban Lakata is one of the top favorites.


Photos of the official opening ceremony!

There will be two shuttle services installed to fulfill media's requirements during the World Champiosnhips 2009.

General description of access

Map: Route with marked FEED ZONES

UCI Mountain Bike Marathon World Championships Graz/Stattegg 23^rd of August 2009

Photo Story

from the "Grazer Bike Marathon" in Stattegg and the UEC MTB Marathon Masters European Championships

Photo Story and Competitor Photos Download for FREE!

of the Junior Mountain Bike Challenge 2008

All results from the Grazer BikeMarathon Stattegg, 21^st of September 2008!
www.global-sportservice.com

Report 2008 available at the TREK Mountainbike Challenge Homepage!
TREK Mountainbike Challenge

Photo Story 2008 with fascinating nyx.at photos!
Get it here!

The direct link to thrilling Competitor Photos 2008!
www.sportograf.de