Kamptal Classic Trophy 2023 Photo Report

Whenever there is a buzzing over Langenlois like that of hundreds of wild hornets and the unmistakable scent of starter oil wafts through the alleys of Zöbing, when genuine joy of reunion meets skeptically assessing glances, when nervous laughter pairs with pronounced understatement – then it's time for the first revelation of the season: Who has trained well over the winter, who has skillfully optimized their equipment, who is already in form and will be leading the local XCO racing scene in 2023?
Because Langenlois means Kamptal Trophy, and Kamptal Trophy has meant since 1991 (!): It's starting again!

With 442 registrations from 14 nations, including nine various national champions, the traditional start to the local cross-country season once again lived up to its reputation as Austria's largest XC event this year.
And with the long climbs being very demanding conditionally and the track being technically tricky due to dryness, coupled with the best organization and generous UCI-C1 funding, as well as competent entertainment and typical local catering for the audience, it once again turned into a successful mix of action and enjoyment.

The first highlight of Race Sunday brought a commanding start-to-finish victory for Laura Stigger. The young Tyrolean, who finished fourth in her last appearance on the famous Rieslingberg in 2021, gave her competitors no chance from the beginning of the first full lap and eventually won with a lead of over one and a half minutes over Aleksandra Podgorska (POL) and Jitka Čábelická (CZE). "Solid start to the racing season," the Specialized athlete later commented on social media.
The following junior race also saw a local winner, Eva Herzog, with immediate pursuers from Poland and Czech Republic, though in reversed positions: Kateřina Beyerová ahead of Hanna Martynska-Mazurkiewicz.

For another premiere victory, the top-seeded Belgian Jens Schuermans, ranked eleventh in the world, was responsible. Initially more reserved in the leading group of about seven, the reigning national champion picked up the pace in the third lap and was able to successfully break away from the field led until then by defending champion Ondrej Cink (CZE).
Exactly 23 seconds finally separated the Giant rider from his Czech pursuer, behind him Max Foidl as the best Austrian in the internal KTM team match narrowly, yet fell short: Colleague Bartolomiej Wawak (POL) was the crucial seven seconds faster in the final lap.

U23 athlete Mario Bair, who was a sensational second last year, once again proved his excellent form by finishing seventh overall and secured another category gold for Tyrol.
The fastest junior was Leszek Jaskiewicz from Poland, and the Masters podium shone red-white-red thanks to Andreas Dollinger.