Cape Town / Lenggries - In Saronsberg, Andi Seewald, extremely disappointed, pulled on the black and white spotted jersey to tackle the fourth stage of the Cape Epic - as a "Lonely Leopard".
Martin Stosek, Seewald's alter ego in the Canyon-Northwave team, was down with a severe gastrointestinal infection, and Seewald had to complete the remaining four stages outside of the classification.
A good twelve hours earlier, the duo had won the difficult third section of this world-famous multi-day marathon, moving them up to second overall and taking away an impressive 30 seconds from the leading duo Sarrou / Beers - which ultimately also triumphed in the overall standings.
We have high expectations and are aiming for victory. "
Andi Seewald, on setting goals before the start of the Cape Epic
Even before the start, the goals of world champion Seewald and his companion were clear: “We have high expectations and we are going to win.” Because the Cape Epic is not just a stage race with its own rating, it is also part of the UCI Marathon Series, a kind of World Cup the mountain biker. Seewald had already cleared the seven races of the season so far: four victories as well as a second and a third place, and as a result, 16th place at the start of the season at the Andalucia Bike Race. Of course, you don't get a place at the season finish. Especially since the Lenggrieser is in the shape of his life, and this year he also won European and world championship titles.
Both the prologue and the following stages were extremely successful for the Canyon team: In the daily rankings, they achieved two second and one third place. "Everything went very well at first," Seewald sums up the start. "And after we got used to the extremely diverse and rough terrain, we found our way into the race better and better."
Section three finally became a hussar ride from Seewald and Stosek.
After a dogged duel with the Italian Pirelli team with Samuele Porro and Fabian Rabensteiner over the 91 kilometer loop around Saronsberg, they sprinted over the finish line two seconds ahead of their pursuers.
The joy on the podium was great, and all the greater the disappointment a few hours later when Martin Stosek had to give up his sails due to illness.
“It would have made no sense for Martin to torment himself and try to drag himself through.
We would have been passed in the overall ranking, ”said Seewald's bitter realization.
Seewald wins the "UCI Marathon Series"
However, the well-rehearsed duo has only postponed their dream of overall victory for the time being;
possibly for next year.
The world champion laid the foundation stone - with an appraisal of the other four stages.
“As a Lonely Leopard, I just wanted to gain some experience and knowledge for our next participation.
They were very nice too, and I had some fun too.
Nevertheless, the disappointment with our task was always there after such a promising race up to stage three, ”said Seewald.
After all, the previous top placements were enough for Andi Seewald to win the Marathon Series;
Stosek finished second.
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Lonely Leopard on an exploration tour: Andi Seewald.
© Photo: Canyon-Northwave
Last race of the season in the Hatta Nature Park
Now the season is definitely coming to an end.
In the United Arab Emirates, the Isarwinkler is still starting today with his team at the “Hero Dubai Hatta”.
At a pleasant 25 degrees, it is a moderate 60 kilometers and 1600 vertical meters through the Hatta nature park near Dubai.
“At the weekend we will visit the World Expo in Dubai.” By then, the disappointment will have faded a little and the relaxation after an extremely successful season will give way.
Also read:
Andi Seewald: Sleepless after the world champion title
