Crocodile 9: Huber, Zeldenrust sew up overall
The elite men tromp through a stream crossing during stage 9 Wednesday. (John Flynn/Crocodile Trophy)
Swiss mountain biker Urs Huber added his name to the exclusive international list of cyclists who have won Australia's Crocodile Trophy, after enduring an intense nine-day battle with Dutchman Bart Brentjens.
A testament to both the talent and mental strength of the 24-year-old World Championship bronze medallist, Huber rode with such power on the day's final mountain stage in Australia's Daintree that Brentjens was unable to launch an attack to reel in his one minute and 26 second lead.
Instead, it was Huber who did the attacking as the race headed off-road onto the CREB Track, a perilous ascent into the rainforest that has become part of the Crocodile Trophy's growing tradition.
"It's very important. It's my first win in a stage race and ten days," an elated Huber said. "When I can say I won the Crocodile Trophy, it's a great thing."
Huber launched his first attack at the base of the CREB where the gradient is close to 20 percent. Behind him, the former Olympic and World Champion appeared visibly in pain, but Brentjens refused to give in and continually clawed his way back.
"After the second depot I made the pace and Bart could not come with me," Huber said. "So I saw that and I thought that I should roll without risk to the finish."
That was easier said than done as the Crocodile Trophy ventured onto the zig-zag track, one of the most technical sections of the race. It was there that Brentjens had planned to attack, near the river crossing at Roaring Meg. Huber and Brentjens had already reeled in an early breakaway containing Slovenian Jure Robic and Belgian Mike Mulkens.
When the riders reached the river, Huber crossed first, the smile on his face obvious as he realised the Crocodile Trophy was his for the taking.
"I was dropped a few times and I came back and I had to follow him," Brentjens said. "He (Huber) really put the hammer down and all I could do was follow his wheel, actually there was no chance for me to make an attack."
There was a degree of consolation for Brentjens as he won the sprint to the finish in Ayton - his sixth stage victory in this edition of the race.
But the ultimate objective proved elusive this time around for "Sir Bart" who is already plotting a course to Australia in 2010 to make amends.
"It's a really nice stage race to ride, it's a challenge, an adventure, nice country, nice area and has good organisation," Brentjens said. "I've already spoken with Gerhard (Schoenbacher) about next year. I'd like to come back and try to win, now I know a little bit more about the course, maybe I can win it once."
Belgian Mike Mulkens hung on bravely again to finish third in the stage and third overall, while Robic, who attacked today, almost from the gun, had to settle for fourth on both counts.
"Today I tried one last time to attack and I felt very strong on the climbs," Robic, the four-time Race Across America winner said. "I came to this race not prepared after an injury to my ribs and I decide only two days before the race to come, so I have to be pleased."
Zeldenrust wins women's event, McLennan and Pleyer share the experience
At the end of nine days, It was a foregone conclusion that Dutchwoman Monique Zeldenrust would become the women's victor of the 2009 Crocodile Trophy.
Zendenrust, who has been racing with her father Martin, made easy work of today's stage, bringing to an end an almost flawless campaign.
However, the battle for the minor placings, intense until this point, took an unusual turn today.
Australia's Abby McLennan and Austria's Lisa Pleyer, who continued to fight for supremacy during today's stage, crossed the finish line together, to signal an official end to on-course hostilities.
"I stuck with Lisa all day and we just kept fighting it out, in the end we decided to cross the line to-gether, as a sporting gesture," McLennan said.
Pleyer finished the race in second overall, with McLennan an impressive third.
The experience, one that McLennan and her Rattle & Hum teammates will carry with them.
"Just the achievement that we feel is amazing it's the best thing we've done in our life I think," McLennan said. "I already feel prematurely excited that it's over and we do have to ride tomorrow. We're going to enjoy the feeling that we have and try to make it last as long as possible."
For complete results and photos, visit Cyclingnews.com.
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