Mona Mitterwallner / Picture: APA / KEYSTONE / GIAN EHRENZELLER
The Austrian mountain bikers Mona Mitterwallner and Laura Stigger celebrated a double victory in the U23 cross country class at the World Championships in Val di Sole in Italy on Saturday. Mitterwallner is still undefeated in this age category, Stigger rehabilitated after her Olympic out. The evening before, Hannes Salvik from Vienna won Austria's first medal in these championships with bronze in the Fourcross.
Mitterwallner dominated the race in their well-known manner. After the start she had tried to stay in the top eight for the time being, after the starting lap she was second. “Then Mona immediately started attacking and accelerating,” said Stigger after the race, after crossing the finish line 2:04 minutes behind. Her lead over third-placed Dane Caroline Bohe was reassuring with 1:22 minutes.
“It's actually unbelievable,” cheered Mitterwallner. “Four U23 World Cup victories and now European and World Champion. I did everything as I set out to do. The tactic worked completely. I made a few technical mistakes at the beginning, but then I'm in my flow, in My rhythm came and I went my pace. I used to be restless. But now I've found a focus and I've learned to deal with the pressure and tension. “
Stigger granted her team mate victory: “Silver seems like gold to me, I've given everything and I'm satisfied.” It was a bumpy season for them. “But I learned a lot brutally. Mona is brutal in a hot level, she is brutally strong on the way. I tried to drive my own race, to look after myself.” For both of them it is now time for the World Cup final in Lenzerheide. Mitterwallner: “I can't believe that I'm wearing the beautiful (world champion) jersey.”
The 32-year-old Slavik went into the knockout decision as fifth in the qualification, in the semifinals he gave up the qualifying first with Mikulas Nevrkla. In the final, Slavik almost fell through no fault of his own, but saved third place behind namesake Tomas Slavik (CZE) and Adrien Loron (FRA).
“It was really a lottery. It was almost impossible to overtake on the track and so the start was crucial,” said Hannes Slavik, who was most recently handicapped by adductor problems. “Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance of a better position in the final after the crash, but to win another medal here is wonderful.” Five years ago he had also won fourcross silver in Val di Sole. For Tomas Slavik it was the third world title, which makes him the record holder.
