April 16, 2007 (Muensingen, Germany) – The 2007 German MTB Bundesliga Series launched yesterday in Muensingen, Germany in front of a big crowd of loud cheering spectators. Gunn-Rita Dahle (Nor) Multivan-Merida took a decisive victory finishing time 2.14 minutes ahead of German National Champion Sabine Spitz (Ger) Ghost International and 3.07 minutes quicker than Irina Kalentieva (Rus) Topeak-Ergon.

In the men’s race, Ralph Naef (Sui) Multivan-Merida benefited from teammate José Hermida’s (Esp) Multivan-Merida bad luck. By the end of lap three (of nine) the Spaniard had a 20-second lead, when he flatted at which point Naef took over the lead, riding his own rhythm and celebrated his first win in Muensingen 54 seconds ahead of Cape-Epic winner Karl Platt (Ger) Team Bulls. Third place went to last year’s winner, Switzerland’s Martin Gujan (Sui) Athleticum.

For the spectators the fight for the second place was most exciting as the chase group was constantly changing. On lap eight, Platt launched a successful attack out of a five-man group, leaving Gujan, Hermida, Michi Weiss (Aut) Bikin’ Cyprus and Roel Paulissen (Bel) Cannondale-Vredestein behind. Gujan beat out Hermida in the fight for third place.

Naef: “I think I was not better than the guys in the chasing group. But I could set my own rhythm and the group had to chase all the time. It’s a super race here, nearly perfect.”

Platt: “First I had to find my rhythm. When I found it, I was able to push harder and harder. I thought now or never and I took the chance.”

Dahle: “Thanks to the organizers for this event. I couldn’t have a better preparation for World Cup race next week.”

Spitz: “I’m very happy with my race. I’m looking forward to the World Cup now.

Results

Men

1. Ralf Naef (Sui) Multivan Merida 1:56.07
2. Karl Platt (Ger) Team Bulls 1:57.01
3. Martin Gujan (Sui) Athleticum 1:57.10
4. Jose Hermida (Esp) Multivan Merida 1:57.10
5. Roel Paulissen (Bel) Cannondale-Vredestein 1:57.28
6. Michael Weiss (Aut) Bikin’Cyprus 1:57.36
7. Stefan Sahm (Ger) Team Bulls 1:58.12
8. Wolfram Kurschat (Ger) Ergon-Topeak 1:58.25
9. Kashi Leuchs (NZ l) Cannondale-Vredestein 1:58.31
10. Christoph Soukup (Ger) Team FUJI-BIKES 1:59.19

Women

1. Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesja (Nor) Multivan Merida 1:44.48
2. Sabine Spitz (Ger) GHOST International 1:47.03
3. Irina Kalentieva (Rus) Ergon-Topeak 1:47.56
4. Tereza Hurikova (Cze) Czech National Team 1:48.38
5. Ivonne Kraft (Ger) La Carrera-BTS 1:49.47
6. Anna Enocsson (Swe) GHOST International 1:50.07
7. Katrin Schwing (Ger) Trek 1:53.51
8. Heike Hundertmark (Ger) Ergon-Topeak 1:55.14
9. Inbar Ronen (Isr) 1:55.50
10. Fiona Macdermid (NZl) 1:56.39