PERSKINDOL SWISS EPIC 2018 - Best of Stage 2
PERSKINDOL SWISS EPIC 2018 - Best of Stage 2
Stage 1 at the Perskindol Swiss Epic saw a surprise victory in the Men’s category, when BMC Fischer Price held a high rhythm on the final 10km to overcome the considerable efforts of team Scott-SRAM. Martin Fanger and Noah Blöchlinger found themselves in the coveted yellow leaders’ jerseys and a 55 second lead to defend.
The women’s race was even tighter – Team Canada led almost the entire stage but Team Thömus used their local know how to measure their efforts on the day and pick the perfect moment to pounce. Alessandra Keller and Katrin Stirnemann went into stage 2 leading by 36 seconds. Both leading teams had their work cut out for Stage 2. Transitioning from Bettmeralp to Grächen, the route took riders via the ‘high road’ above the Rhone Valley, with views of the Matterhorn – their final destination. For many, the descent into Mörel would be a highlight, especially the saffron plantation, but there was still the final big climb before reaching second race village of the 2018 Perskindol Swiss Epic. Stage 2 was one for the marathon specialists in the men’s field – BiXS Pro Team’s Hansueli Stauffer and Konny Looser prevailed over the 77km course, taking control of the stage on the final climb and resisted the efforts of Buff Scott and Scott-SRAM to take victory.
Results Stage 2
Men
1. Hansueli Stauffer / Konny Looser (SUI - BiXS Pro Team) - 3:49.44,1
2. Francesc Guerra / Enrique Morcillo (SPA - BUFF SCOTT MTB TEAM) - 3:50.32,4 +48,3
3. Matthias Stirnemann / Andri Frischknecht (SUI - SCOTT-SRAM MTB RACING) - 3:51.27,3 +1.43,2
Women
1. Haley Smith / Catharine Pendrel (CAN - Team Canada) - 4:35.33,3
2. Kathrin Stirnemann / Alessandra Keller (SUI - Thömus / RN Racing Team) - 4:38.28,3 +2.55,0
3. Barbara Benko / Anne Terpstra (HUN / NED - GHOST FACTORY RACING) - 4:46.16,0 +10.42,7
The women’s race was even tighter – Team Canada led almost the entire stage but Team Thömus used their local know how to measure their efforts on the day and pick the perfect moment to pounce. Alessandra Keller and Katrin Stirnemann went into stage 2 leading by 36 seconds. Both leading teams had their work cut out for Stage 2. Transitioning from Bettmeralp to Grächen, the route took riders via the ‘high road’ above the Rhone Valley, with views of the Matterhorn – their final destination. For many, the descent into Mörel would be a highlight, especially the saffron plantation, but there was still the final big climb before reaching second race village of the 2018 Perskindol Swiss Epic. Stage 2 was one for the marathon specialists in the men’s field – BiXS Pro Team’s Hansueli Stauffer and Konny Looser prevailed over the 77km course, taking control of the stage on the final climb and resisted the efforts of Buff Scott and Scott-SRAM to take victory.
Results Stage 2
Men
1. Hansueli Stauffer / Konny Looser (SUI - BiXS Pro Team) - 3:49.44,1
2. Francesc Guerra / Enrique Morcillo (SPA - BUFF SCOTT MTB TEAM) - 3:50.32,4 +48,3
3. Matthias Stirnemann / Andri Frischknecht (SUI - SCOTT-SRAM MTB RACING) - 3:51.27,3 +1.43,2
Women
1. Haley Smith / Catharine Pendrel (CAN - Team Canada) - 4:35.33,3
2. Kathrin Stirnemann / Alessandra Keller (SUI - Thömus / RN Racing Team) - 4:38.28,3 +2.55,0
3. Barbara Benko / Anne Terpstra (HUN / NED - GHOST FACTORY RACING) - 4:46.16,0 +10.42,7