“My preparation for the World Cup is on track,” said Florian Brungraber with a broad grin. This suited the para-triathlete after yesterday’s Ascendor handbike half marathon, which he won in 30:40 minutes, the second fastest time ever. “Flo breaded us,” marveled Paralympic champion Walter Ablinger, who crossed the finish line almost six minutes after Brungraber. Fastest woman was Conny Wibmer in 39:48.
The early morning fog, which was still quite dense, posed problems for the hand bikers, who were traveling at an average speed of around 40 kilometers per hour. “It was a blind flight through Linz,” Ablinger reported, often not knowing in which direction the route would turn next. Brungraber, who, according to his own measurements, reached speeds of up to 52 km/h, had a small advantage thanks to his lead: “I was able to orientate myself a bit on the lead vehicle.”
Slippery conditions
Not just seeing, but also being seen became a risk factor. “I had a moment of shock when a spectator didn’t look enough and wanted to cross the street in front of me,” reports Ablinger of an almost collision. In addition, the brakes had less grip in the wet conditions and the track was slippery. “Especially on the zebra crossings,” confirms the Mühlviertler Brungraber. Roller skaters were even more affected.
Even Mathieu Grandgirard, who was victorious in 40:15 minutes, fell and scraped his right thigh. “Fortunately, I had enough lead,” said the French-born Viennese, who crossed the finish line on only two wheels on his right shoe. “I broke a roller axle when I got stuck in a hole,” said Grandgirard, who also struggled with vision. “Once I had to turn around,” he countered this adversity with humor.
The women’s race experienced a victory for the favourites: With the Italian Desiana Caniatti, the multiple Masters world and European champion defended her title from the previous year in 45:57 minutes. (pue)
Source: Nachrichten
