Source: press release
Frenchman Raphael Gay outsprinted German hopeful Philipp Bertsch on the last metres to the finish line and won the race with a paper-thin lead. Nello Perrin-Ganier (France) was third just one second back.
Right from the beginning the Junior's race at the UCI Mountainbike World Cup presented by Shimano in Albstadt was a thriller. The bikers had to ride five laps (4.2 km) in rather low temperatures, but dry conditions.
After the second lap a group of five managed to get away from the field and opened a gap of ten seconds. German hopeful Philipp Bertsch (Abensberg) was a member of this group and took the lead, showing his strength and his intention to reach the podium. The penultimate lap saw Perrin-Ganier in front, trying to get away from Bertsch and Gay. However, on the last lap Bertsch attacked on the climb. Cheered by an enthusiastic home crowd, he managed to stay in the lead of a group of four. But 200 metres from the finish line Gay passed him in an ample curve and was able to keep one step ahead of the German rider, with Perrin-Ganier very close behind.
Raphael Gay (1st): "I had a bad start position and therefore had to fight my way up to the front of the field. But I was feeing really good. On the last climb Bertsch escaped, but we managed to close the gap again. When I finally attacked him, I deliberately chose the outer curve in order to pick up more speed."
Philipp Bertsch (2nd): My goal was to reach the top 15, and I came in second: I've never expected that. My legs were real good today, and the spectators were amazing. On the last lap they all just screamed. Riding the last curve I didn't watch out for a second, and Gay passed me."
Result:
1. Gay Raphael - France - Creuse Oxygene 1:11:02
2. Bertsch Philipp - Germany s.t.
3. Perrin-Ganier Neilo - France +1"
4. Bertolini Gioele - Italy - Controltech Nevi +9"
5. Vastl Jan - Czech republic +20"
6. Briatta Hugo - France - Asptt Definitive Tec +1'10"
7. Baum Lukas - Germany +1'29"
8. Boutet Romain - France - Creuse Oxygene +1'41"
9. Van Den Boogert Kjell - Nederlande +1'46"
10. Oliver Ben - New Zealand +1'49"