Race Report: Salzkammergut Trophy 2007 - 208km
After being asked repeatedly from different sides, I decided to sign up for the Salzkammergut Trophy on fairly short notice. The goal was to help my fellow Tri Stars Koma athlete and Mountainbiker Race Team member Isa Höller over her first attempt of the 208km distance… naturally, the goal was to “just finish”, no matter what time.
I started from the second row, and decided to take it easy until Isa (who was starting from way in the back of the field) would catch up with me. I decided to stop and wait for her at the second aid station, and from then on we rode together. The course was as selective as last year, and some of the especially tricky downhills (like the Jochwandtrail) were catered to the riders of the A course only. This, but also other sections, were actually safer (and probably just as fast) to walk down instead of riding! As if 208km weren’t long enough as it is!
Isa was going very strong, and especially on the climbs we kept passing numerous riders. However, over time the very long distance and the heat took their toll. We did pass the Weißenbachtal checkpoint (115km) in time, but on the following long, gradual climb ultimately had to Isa called it quits. After some deliberation we decided that she’d roll back to the checkpoint, and I’d try to make it through on my own.
So I picked up the pace to make up for the lost time and reach the next checkpoint in time, and soon enough I caught up with riders that had passed us a long time ago. However, it wasn’t enough, and in Görb (140km) I was taken out of the race for missing the time limit.
A shame, because I was feeling very strong and I am quite certain I could have reached the next and final checkpoint at 180km within the required time limit, but rules are rules…
Still, it was a great race; Isa did her best, and I am certain that if she attempts the long course again next year, she’ll make it through with ease - especially if it isn’t quite as hot as this year.
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