Cyprus Sunshine Cup 2016 – Afxentia #4 [comments]

Marco Aurelio Fontana – Cannondale Factory Racing

I arrived at the last stage with a good condition, I was not aiming to win because I knew I had to do with strong opponents and, as I said, this race represented for me and my team a final test to realize where we were with the preparation. Halfway through the race I knew I could win so I handled it well and I drove at my best, I’m very happy. We must keep our feet on the groud, but winning a hard cross country like the one of today is good for the morale. This victory shows that to date we have worked really well.

Gunn Rita Dahle Flesjaa – Multivan Merida

Very happy about the victory today. I felt strong from start to finish. Thanks to the ‪#‎cyprussunshinecup‬ organization for great race days. I will for sure be on the startline again next year. KEEP RIDING :)

Fabian Giger – Kross Racing Team

For the seventh consecutive year I started my season in Cyprus. This year I was extra nervous as it was the first race with my new Kross Racing Team. And I couldn’t have asked for a better start…

The fourth and last stage was an XCO and was all about defending my yellow leader’s jersey. I finished in a good forth place wich was enough to secure the overal victory. A great succes so early in the season and a big motivation for the coming races.

I enjoyed the time in Cyprus with the Kross Team a lot. We had a lot of fun togheter and looking forward for more adventures.

Bartłomiej Wawak – Kross Racing Team

I’m so happy about the 5th place in Cyprus Sunshine Cup! The plan was simple – be at the front on the beggining of each stage and do not loose it. Easy to say but not so easy to do;) Anyway, I enjoyed riding together with best riders and I’m looking forward to next races.

Zdjęcie zamieszczone przez użytkownika Bartlomiej Wawak (@bwawak1) 2 Mar, 2016 o 12:48 PST

Mathieu van der Poel – BKCP Corendon

3rd place in the XCO at Cyprus. Came back from place 45 after a small crash in the startloop because of another rider. 4th in the GC

Jordan Sarrou – BH SR Suntour KMC

The last stage was really important, because you can win some precious time or lose all.

So i stated well, till the middle of the race: I had a flat tire. I lose the chasing group. I did the effort to get it. but the last lap was too much for me to catch the riders in front. It was 4 nice days of racing. My goal was to be in the top ten in GC. I’m finally 8th. Step by step i was getting better and better. I’m satisfied to get some UCI points.

Now time to recover for next weekend for the Voroklini race.

Maxime Marotte – BH SR Suntour KMC

that was a good surprise to be able to struggle the pedals after 3 days of racing. My legs was good and after the start I knew that I could fight for the top positions. Marco made the break on a strong attack and a good downhill just after. He was more punchy and also faster in the downhill. We have some new tires on the bike, so I have to find the good setup to be confident in downhill. Especially after my collarbone accident this autumn. I didn’t ride my mtb enough to be fast now. After the break I stay all the last lap at 5 seconds. I’m happy with that.

It was a good race for me and a good surprise to finish 2nd. It’s early in the season, so I have time to improve différents things. My goal was between 5th and 10th place! On the race you work a lot of things: short efforts, long climbs (road gravels), technical climbs, flat sections, steep sections, fast downhills, technical downhills… Really a good exercise! The race next week is also a good race to work for the world cup opening. Conditions are really good here ad it is easier to train than my home because of snow. After that, I will back home for training and I will be back on a race fo the french Cup opening, Bad Säckingen (Germany) and Montichiari (Italy) and then Australia!

CST Brentjens Superior MTB Team

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Yana Belomoina:

I had a bad crash last Saturday. But a good solid race on Sunday. The start of the season is always a bit difficult for me. I am looking forward for the next big race and new experience…the Cape Epic!

Jiri Novak:

There were many good riders at the Cyprus Sunshine Cup. I have a good feeling especially because I could help Grant in the last stage!

Rudi van Houts:

I am satisfied with how I am feeling at the moment. I hope that Hans Becking recovers fast and good and that we make a good strong team together in the next goal and adventure! The Cape Epic

Ended up 7th in GC after four days and I’m pretty happy with that. Had a good feeling and feel ready for the Cape Epic, my next race. After that I have to work on my top speed.

Grant Ferguson:

It was good to have the leaders jersey, for a day! Yesterday wasn’t my best day. But my form is good!

Sebastian Fini Carstensen:

Every Day went better, good feeling at the end!

Margot Moschetti:

I am happy with form (condition), I had a good start of the season and it is a long season this year. It was good for me to ride here in Cyprus, also for me to focus for the new World Cup season!

Githa Michels – Versluys PRO MTB Team

I starter The last stage (XCO) race with one goal. And that was trying to keep my 3rd position in General Ranking of The Afxentia stage race. At start I wasn’t sure how my legs will perform after three stages and how the other riders will go. I was happy I still felt good and power was good. So I could control the race and without any risk of loosing my 3rd position in General Ranking. I’m really happy about my shape and feeling at this moment. I hope I can keep this positive vibe for upcomming events and whole season. My next is Voroklini, where I hope I will have good feeling again and maybe fight for a podium then. After this I will go on training camp with national team and work further again on my shape. The training camp will be finished with a start on the Volcat stage race.

Urban Ferencak – Unior Tools Team

Race went as planned, Tanja has her race under control. I expected this kind of development of the race. Tanja is in 6th place overall, the last stage should suit her the most and I think she can do very well. It will be nice if she keeps her overall position, it’s going to be even better if she moves higher.

Paula Gorycka – Airbike Prolog Jabłonna

Cyprus Sunshine Cup was my first time at the stage race. Not oridinary stage race, but highest UCI category – SHC. This means – top guns at the start line. And being honest wake up time is more difficult than on the road stage races… On the 4th stage I felt already tired. My body is just coming to the race pace and cumulated efforts was not helping to go full speed. No matter of the final result I am happy about the competition – four days of various races with top guns and high pace will benefit soon.