Unlike the other BNWS races, there was no qualification for the BIKE Junior Team at the national junior classification in Albstadt because the race was organised as part of the German Championships. The starting grid was based on the overall BNWS ranking. The course in Albstadt was the normal World Cup course for all riders from U19 upwards and a shortened lap for U15 to U17. The course consisted of two steep and long climbs. The descents were very winding, rocky and you had to watch out for loose stones that rolled into the course. Nevertheless, the BIKE Junior Team was once again successful and was represented on the podium twice by Elias and Max.
Race report Elias Hückmann
I was really looking forward to the race in Albstadt. Because everyone knows the long, tough climbs and the equally long descents. Trails like this particularly suit me, which is why I was really looking forward to it. I travelled there on Thursday evening to check out all the lines. Unlike the other national junior races, there was no preliminary competition this time and the XCO race took place on Saturday instead of Sunday.
My XCO start was at 9.30am, so I had to get up early and eat. I didn't particularly like that. I met up with Max under the team tent to warm up. I already realised there that I was in good shape. After a not very good start, I started the race in the top five. I was already able to take the lead on the first climb. I spent the first two laps there. Then I "launched" all out into the pedals and opened up a gap. I was able to hold on to it. After a total of four tough laps, I crossed the finish line as the winner. After the race, it was straight off to the ride-out, because now my full concentration is on the European Youth Olympic Festival. Congratulations also to Max, who put in a great performance and finished in second place.
Race report Nico Brandl
The 4th race of the BNS took place in Albstadt last weekend. The course had two steep, long climbs, which didn't really suit me even during the inspection. I found it very bumpy and could never really pedal evenly during the race. That's why I couldn't keep up with the high pace of the leaders this time. I fought for fifth place, but had to let go on the last lap and settle for sixth place. Now I'm already looking forward to the upcoming European Youth Championships in Italy!
Race report Lucie Hückmann
Last weekend was the German Championships in Albstadt. I was really looking forward to the race, as the long and steep climbs really suited me. I also really enjoyed the fast descents, which is why I went to the start in good spirits. The first lap went very well, but somehow I couldn't keep up the pace and had to finish the race with a DNF. But I won't give up and will keep fighting until I can ride at the front again.
Race report Max Ebrecht
I had already been to the Bullentäle circuit on Friday to inspect it. The track already suited me well in practice and I was very confident for the race. We had to do four laps, which meant a race time of around 45 minutes, which should suit me.
I started the race from 9th position and was able to work my way forwards quickly, so that I was in P3/4 on the first climb. On the second climb, I was able to work my way up to P2, which I held for the next two laps. At the end of the third lap, however, another rider came out of nowhere and overtook me. I was able to parry his attack on the first climb, but he made up for it on the descent and overtook me again before the second climb. Halfway up the second climb, I was able to mount my final attack and open up a gap of around 15 seconds, which I was able to keep until the finish.
My next race will be the European Championships in Tuscany, which I'm really looking forward to. Congratulations to my team-mate Elias, who won the race again.
Race report Paulina Lange
Albstadt was also on the race programme for the junior classification this year. After starting from the second row, the first lap was very tough for me. I couldn't put any pressure on the pedals and had to fight for every position and try to keep up. However, I was able to make up a lot of ground on the downhills. From the second lap onwards, my legs got better lap by lap and I was able to fight for 5th place again.
On the last lap, I was able to pull away from the sixth rider on the last climb and pull out a comfortable lead on the downhill. Fourth place was also within sight. I'm a bit disappointed that I lost so much on the first lap, but I'm happy with the way I caught up. The gaps were smaller anyway and now I'm looking forward to the Sauheldcup at my place in Mehrstetten, which I'm riding with my dad.
