Nordkette Downhill 2015: In Colombian Hands

Extreme heat and an endurance test - the 4.2 km long distance race off Innsbrucks Seegrube with a vertical drop of more than 1000m, still takes no prisoners in 2015. After exhausting 9:45.88min Colombia’s Gutierrez flys across the final jump and takes the win again after 2014. Almost 20 seconds behind and in second place is pro-rider Wyn Masters of New Zealand (10:05.46), ahead of the first Austrian in third place. David Trummer (10:09.31) not just made the podium, but also crowned himself Austrian Downhill National Champion 2015.


"It's a tough track to race on, but as long as you keep it mellow and enjoy it and keep a positive attitude then somehow you make it to the bottom“ said the victorious 25-year-old pro-rider of Giant Factory Off-Road Team in a first statement, who not just made it to the finish somehow, but managed to pull ahead on this gnarly track quite significantly, "On this track you're trying to push, but if you push too hard you start making mistakes." The fact that the track is tough, slippery, dusty and extremely exhausting until the very bottom has not changed for this unique race in its fifth instalment. The Colombian also managed to stay below the 10-minute mark, which no one else could.

Styrian David Trummer (Ghost RRP Team) finished as best Austrian rider in third place – succeeding local rider Benedikt Purner – the winner in 2013. The Innsbruck local lost time after some troubles in the middle part of the track and also lost his place on the podium (10:11.77, 4th place), but still claiming the Austrian masters title.


The women’s race was won by world cup racer Tracey Hannah (AUS) ahead of Austrian riders Elke Rabeder and Simone Wechselberger, who take first and second place in the Austrian Championship. Junior titel goes to Hannes Bichler and U17 champion is Moritz Ribarich, who became the unofficial junior world champion two weeks earlier.


Perfect weather conditions on race day, draws plenty of gravity-spectators to the track. Hot spots to watch the race are the road-gap and the ‘Red Corner’, where a colorful sea of fans cheer for the racers.

The Nordkette Downhill.PRO above the roofs of the Tyrolean capital, has in 2015 once more drawn pro and amateur riders to this legendary race, presenting the cheering crowd a unique mixture of urban flair and mountainbike action. Nowhere else can local riders and top world cup riders dual each other, making for a very special experience.

Results Nordkette Downhill.PRO

MEN
1. Marcelo Gutierrez | COL | Giant Factory Off-Road | 9:45.88
2. Wyn Masters | NZL | TEAM BULLS - DH | 10:05.46
3. David Trummer | AUT | Ghost RRP | 10:09.31

WOMEN (not the same race track)
1. Tracey Hannah | AUS | Polygon UR | 4:59.75
2. Elke Rabeder | AUT | Mauna Loa DH Pro Racing | 5:21.38
3. Simone Wechselberger | AUT | Sportsnut DH Team | 5:58.50

For all results please visit www.nordkette-donwhill.com




The crowd at the Roadgap. Photo by Sebastian Schieck.

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MENTIONS: @TrailSolutions / @GiantBicycle / @urteam

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