MTB

Sebastien Carabin and Alice Pirard claim elite leader jerseys for Belgium

By Rocky Trail Media

The 22nd Crocodile Trophy kicked off with a brutal stage 1 today in Cairns. The Crocodile Trophy elite leader jerseys are both going to Belgium: Sebastien Carabin and Alice Pirard claim the victories today.

The 22nd Crocodile Trophy kicked off with a brutal stage 1 today in Cairns. Riders from all over the world and Australia raced from the magnificent Pacific Palms Resort into the Smithfield MTB Park, where 4 laps had to be completed in the challenging midday heat. A tough climb took them back onto the finish fire trail and the resort.



The cross-country specialist Sebastien Carabin from Belgium took out the first stage ahead of Urs Huber (SUI) and the Austrian Matthias Grick.

In the elite females, the Belgian National Marathon Champion, Alice Pirard won with Australia's road racing champion, Ruth Corset taking second place and Annemiek van Vleuten came in third. Amateur woman Anita Narula (AUS) finished as third woman outright in the field behind Corset.
 
Rider statements

Sebastien Carabin BEL
Today was very difficult - very technical. I liked it - my background is cross-country, so it was good for me. But it was very challenging for me, because I lost my drink after two laps - it was very hot and I was getting tired. But it was nice, a good start."
 
Urs Huber SUI
I'm content with my race today, this is not the ideal length of race for me, I prefer the longer marathons. But I know that I'll be able to make up the time I lost today over the next few days... hopefully. That's why I tried not to overdo it today, I tried to have a solid race and that's what I achieved, so that's why I'm happy with my performance today.I'm content with my race today, this is not the ideal length of race for me, I prefer the longer marathons. But I know that I'll be able to make up the time I lost today over the next few days... hopefully. That's why I tried not to overdo it today, I tried to have a solid race and that's what I achieved, so that's why I'm happy with my performance today.


 
Matthias Grick AUT
Today was extremely hard, the heat hurt more than I thought it would, especially the last climb was tough. I'm happy that I've completed the first stage and that I'm in the race now. I just have to take day by day, but a third spot is a great starting point for me. The track here is very challenging, but I'm used to this type of racing from the World Cup races throughout the year. It's very technical and if you're not doing it right and putting your weight were it should be, you'll go over the handlebars. I hope it won't catch too many of the amateur racers out today.
 
Alice Pirard BEL
It was a great day - I really love Smithfield and the bike park! That's why I keep coming back! I tried to pace myself because it's still such a long race and actually the women's race today was very interesting I was only in third position after the four laps on the course - it was captivating. I managed to stay on the bike for the last climb and didn't have to walk and I think that made me take the first place. Then I rode down the hill safely, i really enjoyed every switchback and the technical stuff. The riding here is just so different to Europe, I really enjoy it.

I'm happy that I have a stage win and the leader jersey already, but I know I have to pace myself, we'll see what happens, it's not decided until next Saturday.
 
Annemieke van Vleuten NED
Today was a bit difficult for me - I didn't have time to check out the track beforehand because I had to have my bike fixed yesterday, which had been damaged. So I was a bit surprised about it all. I'm her for fun, for me it's not a competition - I'm in the elite category, but actually when it comes to mountain biking I'm an amateur, I'm here to enjoy the race - my road season is finished and I'm really glad to be here. This is a holiday for me. I'll see what the next few stages bring, maybe one of them is a bit more suited to me and then I'll go for it. But really, I just want to stay safe and healthy and have a good time. I feel good again [after the crash in Rio] and I want to stay like that. For me, this is a wonderful way to see more about Australia, this is my first time in Cairns.
 
Sarah Kaehler AUS
I absolutely loved today, I was in my element. It took me a lap to get into a rhythm. The climb at the end was the hardest part, just so steep, I ended up walking a fair bit to try and save my legs, but it still hurt a lot. The descent then was the fun bit and the rest of the way back to the finish was awesome. Now I'm just going to try and rest, have my protein, have a swim, just relax, really.
 
Ruth Corset AUS
The heat was quite hard, I ran out of water - I thought my 2l Camelbak was enough, but I ran out of it on the last lap before the fire road finish and started cramping a bit. I had a salt tablet though, which kept me going. I feel a bit dehydrated, but I'll make sure to recover well tonight and look forward to tomorrow.

Tomorrow's marathon stage will take the Crocodile Trophy racers to Atherton. For further event information, visit www.crocodile-trophy.com

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