The Ergon Topeak Team celebrated a successful weekend of racing at the German National Series in Salzdetfurth this past weekend. Russian Irina Kalentieva (Ergon - Topeak) celebrated her fifth consecutive German National Series overall win while team-mate Wolfram Kurschat locked up the men's title. It was his second national series win since 1999.
"The national series was the spring board into my international career. For that reason, I really enjoy racing it," Kalentieva said.
The race was close until the last lap. A determined Elisabeth Osl held tightly to Kalentieva's rear wheel. It was only when the World Cup Series Leader forced the tempo a little higher that she was able to shake off her Austrian challenger. "At the start of the race, I wasn't riding that well and my legs felt quite heavy. Towards the end though, I felt a little better," Kalentieva said. She is currently training intensively in Switzerland for the worlds on September 7th in Fort William, Scotland.
Kurschat wasn't as motivated for this race as he was for the others, in part because he had locked up the series overall and is already switched his focus to Worlds. "I am completely happy with my sixth place finish, especially considering the start list today. I didn't need to take risks,” he admitted following the race. Sweden's Fredrik Kessiakoff won the men's race ahead of Julien Absalon and Roel Paulissen.
Notably absent from the men's race was Ralph Näf (Multivan Merida), who chose to compete on the road in the five-day Regio-Tour.
For full results of the Bundesliga cross country in Bad Salzdetfurth, click here.
