Urs Huber and Simon Stiebjahn held on to take the overall honours at the Tankwa Trek, which finished in Kaleo today.
Urs Huber and Simon Stiebjahn, of the Bulls Heroes, celebrate with the Tankwa Trek men’s trophy in Kaleo today. Photo: ZC Marketing Consulting
The Team Bulls Heroes pair finished fifth in the opening stage, but then won the second stage. This resulted in them topping the overall standings.
They finished second in the third stage, but remained first overall.
Placing third in the final stage was enough to extend their lead from two minutes to three minutes and 32 seconds to give them the victory.
Sebastian Fini and David Nordemann (CST PostNL Bafang) retained their second place overall. Tristan de Lange, who survived a horrible crash on the final stage, completed the overall podium alongside Alexander Miller (DANSTE/Megatech).
The final stage honours went to Cannondale Factory Racing’s Manuel Fumic and Henrique Avancini.
“Two minutes is not a big advantage,” said Huber, referring to Fini and Nordemann being just over two minutes behind them after the third stage.
“So we decided to race the final stage as if it was any other. It is better to attack than to defend.
“We were able to get away from CST PostNL Bafang on a climb in the Houdenbek singletracks.
“The Youngsters were able to come with us and really helped in the sections between the singletracks,” said Huber, referring to Martin Frey and Simon Schneller, who rode under the Team Bulls Youngsters banner.
Huber added that it was great crossing the line with them too, as the two teams finished with a second between them on the final stage.
“For the whole team it was a fantastic moment. It is great to start the season with a win and it will give us lots of confidence for the races to come.”
