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Trans Germany Stage 4: A Sensational Win for Mennen!
Robert Mennen surprises on the final stage with his first victory since turning pro. Alban Lakata once again finishes second. Sally Bigham’s day spoilt by bad luck.
The last stage and the last 75km of the Trans-Germany 2010 - 75km in which to prove yourself. Starting in Sonthofen, today the course wound its way to Bregenz on the banks of Lake Contance. How the day would go though, no one had predicted.
The last climb saw Alban Lakata and Christoph Sauser (Specialized Factory Racing) pull away from the leading group, which had dominated the riding up until that point. Showing awesome strength, Robert Mennen then attacked from the group and joined Lakata and Sauser. He rode behind them until the top of the climb. The group of three appeared to work together for the following 10km, continually building the gap on the following group. It came down to a sprint finish, and Mennen opened the furious scramble for the finish line. Alban Lakata, and Christoph Sauser however, were not able to counter, and the 25 year old crossed the line, taking his first victory as a pro rider. His team-mate Lakata took second.
Sally Bigham had a bad day. Together with 300 other competitors she was sent the wrong way – at the time she was in fifith. It undid all of her good work, and when she eventually crossed the line she was in 12th, and really disappointed.
The overall results were as follows:
Lakata 2nd overall and 2nd in the King of the Mountains competition (behind Sauser).
Mennen 11th overall – not at all bad for someone who suffered with and was weakened by stomach problems for two days.
Bigham 5th overall – 15 mins lead over 6th place.
The Trans-Germany went well for the team overall, and we congratulate all riders, and specifically Robert for his first win.
