Ivan Rybaric wins the opening stage of the Crocodile Trophy 2012
Ivan Rybaric of Team Rubena Rocky Trail Racing wins the opening stage of the Crocodile Trophy 2012 after his storming performance during the event.
The cyclist attacked early on the stage and was not really challenged by any one as he sailed across the finish-line with a convincing victory.
He took a total time of 1 hour, 31 minutes and 21 seconds to complete the 30 kilometre stage between Cairns-Smithfield and restricted his major opponents.
"I knew I had to attack early and I kept pushing hard and attacking as soon as I felt them coming closer," he cited after finishing the race.
The Czech appreciated the course and noted that he had fun during the race opener, especially at the technical sections.
However, while commenting on an overall victory, Rybaric explained that he needs to continue riding the same way for eight more days in order to walk home with an overall victory at the race.
"It's only day one and I am happy about my win, but I want to stay grounded. There are another eight long days to go”.
“This was just the warm-up stage and we'll have to wait and see what tomorrow brings".
Belgian cyclist Mike Mulkens finished 1 minute and 48 seconds behind at the second position, with Jason English of Team RUOK Rocky Tail Racing, Wolfgang Krenn of Team Aut and Ondrej Slezak of Team Rubena Rocky Trail Racing CZE securing the third, fourth and fifth positions respectively.
"The pace right from the start was like fireworks, full-gas for every rider," said Mulkens.
"I was pushing and smashing it hard to be first in the field, because you needed at least a top-ten position in the start sprint for a victory today”.
Australian Cyclist, Kate Major wins the women category of the race, finishing with an impressive time of 1 hour, 58 minutes and 50 seconds.
Alice Pirard of Team O2 Bikers-WMTB.be-Schwalbe finished 2 seconds behind at the second position, while Jade Forsyth, Kirsten De Keyser and Annie van der Linde secured the next three positions respectively.
Jeremy Ross of Team Crocodile Tears wins the M1 category of the Crocodile Race 2012 with his best time of 1 hour, 35 minutes and 56 seconds.
Michal Kafka of Team Rubena Rocky Trail Racing CZE finished 1 minute and 27 seconds behind at the second position with Jason Chalker, Werner van der Merwe and Bjorn De Baets claiming the next three spots in the respective order.
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