Carabin survives heat to claim opening stage
IF Belgium’s Sebastien Carabin didn’t know what he got himself into at the Croc Trophy, he got a brutal stage one reminder of what’s ahead.
The cross-country specialist admitted to battling dehydration as he went on to claim honours on Saturday’s first day of the 22nd edition of the race.
Carabin finished ahead of Urs Huber and Austrian Matthias Grick in an introduction which let riders know this will not be a Sunday afternoon cruise.
“It was very difficult, very technical,” Carabin said.
“I liked it – my background is cross-country, so it was good for me.
“But it was very challenging for me, because I lost my drink after two laps – it was very hot and I was getting tired.
“But it was nice, a good start.”
Riders from all over the world raced from Pacific Palms Resort into the Smithfield MTB Park, where four laps had to be completed in the challenging midday heat.
A tough climb took them back onto the finish fire trail and the resort.
Huber, who finished second on the opening day, was content with his first-up effort.
“This is not the ideal length of race for me, I prefer the longer marathons,” he said.
“But I know that I’ll be able to make up the time I lost today over the next few days hopefully.
“That’s why I tried not to overdo it today, I tried to have a solid race and that’s what I achieved, so that’s why I’m happy with my performance today.”
In the elite females, Belgian National Marathon Champion Alice Pirard won with Australia’s road racing champion, Ruth Corset taking second place and Annemiek van Vleuten came in third.
Anita Narula finished as third woman outright in the field behind Corset.