Mona Mitterwallner and Laura Stigger cheered in Val die Sole in the U23 class.
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.
“It's actually unbelievable,” said Mitterwallner. “Four U23 World Cup victories and now European and World Champion. I did everything as I intended. The tactic worked completely. I made a few technical mistakes at the beginning, but then I got into my flow, my rhythm and went my pace. “
Silver like gold
Stigger granted her team mate victory: “Silver seems like gold to me, I've given everything and I'm satisfied.”
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 course 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 after the crash in the final, 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.
