Race report from Multivan Merida Biking Team:

Worldcup Curaçao: Gunn-Rita Dahle continues her winning streak

At the first race of this year’s mountain biking worldcup on the Antille’s island of Curaçao, world champion Gunn-Rita Dahle outclassed the entire world elite, as she has done in the past. Her winning margin on Germany’s Sabine Spitz was more than one and a half minutes, and three minutes separated her from the third podium spot, which was occupied by Spain’s Marga Fullana coming back to form.

Dahle’s victory does not come as a surprise: She is currently showing herself in the best shape ever in her long and successful carrer, taking the wolrdcup lead by winning the season’s first race. The climate seemed to be her toughest competitor on the tropical paradise of Curaçao: «Despite my great shape I had to be extremely careful not to overpace myself in this heat: If you do not drink sufficiently during all of the race, you’re going to pay for that bitterly», the Norwegian analyzed her race.

The men’s race was won by Dutch veteran Bart Brentjens, ahead of Olympic champion Julien Absalon and England’s Liam Killeen. Switzerland’s Ralph Näf seemed to be a hot contender for a podium spot for much of the race, but he had to drop back to sixth after his suspension fork caused problems with two laps to go. «Actually, I am pretty satisfied with my result, alltough I probably could have done significantly better», Näf commented after having finished. In his tracks, Näf’s team mate José Antonio Hermida had to settle for an eigth-place finish – for now.

Moritz Milatz finished in a respectable 20th position, confirming with constant improvements that he will be a serious contender in years to come. Germany’s Nina Göhl acchieved a 22nd position finish. Because of her studies, she focusses on the second half of the season, but her practice see


Results Mountainbike Worldcup Curaçao, Men:
1. Bart Brentjens (NED), Giant Racing Team, 1:48:52
2. Julien Absalon (FRA), Bianchi Agos, +0,21
3. Liam Killeen (GBR), Specialized Factory Team, +0,28
4. Roel Paulissen (BEL), Giant Racing Team, +0,45
5. Christoph Sauser (SUI), Specialized Factory Team, +1:28
6. Ralph Näf (SUI), Multivan Merida Biking Team, +1:35
7. Fredrik Kessiakoff (SWE), Cannondale-Vredestein, +1:54
8. José Antonio Hermida (ESP), Multivan Merida Biking Team, +2:57
9. Seamus McGrath (CAN), +3,13
10. Florian Vogel (SUI), Swisspower MTB Team, +3,54
20. Moritz Milatz (GER), Multivan Merida Biking Team, +7,11

Results Mountainbike Worldcup Curaçao, Women:
1. Gunn-Rita Dahle (NOR), Multivan Merida Biking Team, 1:45:54
2. Sabine Spitz (GER), Specialized Factory Racing, +1,38 Minuten
3. Margarita Fullana Riera (EEPS), Spiuk Illes Balears, +3,05
4. Marie-Helene Premont (CAN), Rocky Mountain Business Objects, +3,39
5. Mary McConneloug (USA), Kenda Seven, +3,49
6. Petra Henzi (SUI), Fischer-BMC, +6,05
7. Maja Wloszczowska (POL), Lotto, +6,16
8. Lene Byberg (NOR), Bikin'cyprus Int., +6,26
9. Cecile Rode (FRA), Team Lapierre International, + 6,50
10. Susan Haywood (USA), Trek Volkswagen Pro Factory Team, +6,56
22. Nina Göhl (GER), Multivan Merida Biking Team, +10,49