On the 15th & 16th December 2018, the last austrian cross-country races took place before christmas. On Saturday the SK Voest organised a race at the Oedtsee. Chase-teammember Manfred did not get off to a good start in wintry conditions and light snow on the ground. After the bad start he had to fight hard to get to the top. However, he succeded and from this point he was fully back in the race for victory. The initially large leading group was continuously getting smaller. Three laps to go, there were still three men battling for victory. In the end, Manfred was narrowly beaten but with rank two he got the next podium place!
Just a day later, the international C2 World Ranking Race was on the program at the horse center Stadl-Paura. Manfred’s goal was to be among the top 10. For such a rank in the high-profile international starter field everything has to fit together. Unfortunately that was not the case for Manfred that day. He never really got into his rythm and had to settle for the 16th place with some disappointment.
/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/handcrafted-01-vergrößert-280x300.png00Manfred Zöger/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/handcrafted-01-vergrößert-280x300.pngManfred Zöger2019-07-01 12:55:132019-07-01 13:17:06Cross-country in Traun and Stadl-Paura
At the last austrian race in the calendar year 2018, the two Chase-teammembers Felix Ritzinger and Manfred Zöger ensured a double victory with the Chase mud bikes.
Manfred took over the command right after the start and led the field of riders in the long climb. Behind him, Felix came quickly to the front and at the end of the first lap the two were already ranked 1st and 2nd. This constellation remained throughout the whole race. Felix drove consistent lap times, Manfred was always just a few seconds behind on 2nd place. The rest of the drivers followed within a considerable distance. Therefore, it was a very successful end of the year with two podium places!
/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/handcrafted-01-vergrößert-280x300.png00Manfred Zöger/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/handcrafted-01-vergrößert-280x300.pngManfred Zöger2019-07-01 12:26:092019-07-01 12:29:02Double victory for Chase in Schwarzenbach
A “Bucket-List” is a freely expandable leisure-ToDo list. For ambitious racing cyclists it usually includes the world-famous climbs such as the Stelvio Pass, Alp d’Huez or the Col du Galibier. To be a real challenge the Monte Zoncolan in Italy or the Alto de Angliru in Spain , they are among the toughest in Europe, extend the “once in a lifetime” drives. But all these asphalt passes reach a maximun height of 2500m above sea level. Considering other countries that are excellent for bike-driving, one reads of monumental climbs that have to overcome well over 3000 vertical meters.
On Taiwan’s east coast, at the Taiwan KOM Challenge, the participants are expecting such a mega climb.
The key data to get from the sea level to the Wuling Pass level is:
– length: 84km
– altitude difference: 3485m (pass height: 3275m)
– ramps with 12-27% incline
– a 10km long finale with an average incline of
10%
This data is hard to imagine at first glance, but after more than 250 elevations over 3000 meters, it becomes easily comprehensible. The Wuling Pass is Taiwan’s highest road.
For such an exposure only the lightest material comes into question. All possibilities to reduce weight on the body, clothing, bike and wheels are exploited.
The race starts at 6 a.m. at the pacific coast on the outskirts of Hualein with an 18km long neutralized phase. The temperatures during the day are at a pleasant 25°C, only slightly higher than at night. In the second row, behind active and retired professionals like Laurens Ten Dam and Emma Pooley, Felix went into the race very well positioned. The sun slowly rose over the horizon, there was only a little nervousness in the peloton.
Unitl the 18th kilometer the atmosphere was enjoyed, after the bridge over the river Shilin the starting signal sounded. The tactic for the first part of the race, over the short ramps and slight uphill sections was: Sticking to it as long as it’s possible and makes sense. At the top, as it was estimated, a high but irregular pace was set. The stepped waves into the Taroko Gorge temporarily required 400 watts to maintain contact with the first group. At 38 kilometers I decided to set my own pace and for a while I drove along with a smaller group. The group with two experienced locals set a time of four hours.
From the breathtaking gorge with it’s hundred meter-high cliffs the narrow road winds its way into the open, sunny terrain and offers sensational views over the valley. The watt-values fluctuate between 250 to 270 watts and the temperatures are still rising. The turns of the serpentines are constantly climbing and soon there are already 2000 meters of altitude on the Garmin.
The tropical vegetation at the start of the race is increasingly giving way to conifers up to the long-awaited tunnel that initiates the short descent to the Guanyuan gas station. A more than welcome change, because after the refreshment station, according to many statements, the “second race” starts. There are another 15 kilometers to the finish line and the inclination continues to increase. Meanwhile the temperature has dropped to 15°C with strong sunshine and constant wind. The protection of the trees is decreasing. The remaining 10 kilometers have a constand inclination of 10% and where the air is already really thin there’s an 800 meters long trial with 27%. Even with a mountain-fit ratio of 34-32 the cadence is dropping sharply, the risk of cramping or even having to push the bike is high. Due to the conservative pacing in the middle part Felix still had reserves available that reached up to a short flat piece just before the finish line. With the pass height in mind, the last kilometer becomes an almost never ending ordeal. The saddle hurts and the breathing is rushed but the euphoria and ambition continue to turn the crank and wheels.
From turning into the Taroko Gorge to the finish line at 3275 meters, 4 hours and 35 minutes passed with a normalized power of 251 watts. In the international comparison with a high power density Felix was able to rank at place 109 out of 576 participants. The results are here.
Völkermarkt and Diex were this year’s venues for the Austrian Mountain National Championship in road cycling. Nearly 100 starters started at the main square of Völkermarkt on August 18th to determine the fastest climber in the country. After 3.5 laps or approx. 60 kilometres around Völkermarkt the final 9-kilometreclimb up to Diex follows. The initial phase of the race was marked by several attacks, but no rider was able to distance himself decisively. Thus, the elite field entered the final climb almost closed. The ascent to Diex has an average gradient of 8%, but mainly includes steeper passages at the beginning and end.
At the foot of the mountain, the pace was immediately picked up at the top and the field broke up into several groups. Chase team rider Manfred managed to stay just behind the leading group and drove a strong race. He completed the climb in about 25′ and was able to catch up another group of drivers shortly before the finish. With the Chase-Up wheels and the Chase seat post he also had optimal material at his disposal to bring his bike as close as possible to the regulated 6.8 kg minimum weight. In the Austrian Championship scoring Manfred just missed the top 10 and finished with a strong 11th place!
As every year, Sankt Georgen in Attergau became the centre of the ultra-long distance cycling scene again this year. The Race Around Austria will host the first Austrian Championships in this discipline in 2018. Champions are determined both on the extreme distance (2200km – 30000m of elevation gain)in singles, doubles and quad events, as well as on the faster 560km course around Upper Austria, the so called “Challenge“. The Austrian topography with countless altitude meters, high Alpine passes and the unstable weather give the Race Around Austria the title of Europe’s toughest cycle race.
Team Chase started at the RAA Challenge with Felix Schneider and Bernhard Weis, after the participation in the 2016 (2nd) and 2017 (6th) team competition, now for the first time with solo starts on the big stage at the market place of Sankt Georgen. On Wednesday 15.08 they started at 17:05 in the race around Upper Austria. The time predictions were between 19 and 21 hours of racing. The multiple RAAM and RAA winner Christoph Strasser was also at the competition.
Team Chase at the RAA Challenge
The first quarter clockwise along the borders of the province was marked by few climbs, but all the faster country roads and even some tailwind. The time trial specialists were able to set the pace here. With the new Chase Me aero wheel and the Chase AeroPerformanceSystem cockpit, Felix was able to keep an average of 37.5 km/h up to 160 km of the race, just before the Danube bridge near Niederranna, and thus the second place.
The following section through the Mühlviertel held a considerable amount of altitude meters ready and went from hill to hill over crests and valleys. Rollers made up for time here. This strenuous section extends into the night until Freitstadt.
Mental Strength – From Freistadt, a high degree of concentration and resistance to emerging fatigue is required. The route offers hardly any variety, the night is dark and the energy level after 340km with an average of 32 km/h (after 11 hours) has dropped significantly. Here it was also where the support team had to act at short notice. Felix became suddenly tired and could not keep the track despite high speed – a dangerous game. A treatment break of about 8 minutes by the phyiostherapist brought momentum back into the last kilometres of the approach to the Hengstpass.
The race entered its final phase. With 140km to-go the Hengstpass stands in the way of the starters, not an unsolvable task, since the road does not rise above 7%. But exactly here it was the duty to be able to make up for the lost positions by the forced break. Only a few minutes separated the places 3 to 8, the RAA Challenge is an individual time trial, which is always exciting to follow due to the small time intervals. After the first flat kilometres at the base of the Hengstpass, Felix changed to his Rams Cycling road bike with the mountain-suited Chase Up wheels. With 250 watts it went towards the sun, up to the summit. In the meantime, the night regulation, which according to the regulations lasts until 6:30 a.m., was abandoned. In this increase alone, the team was able to drive two places well thanks to the perfect use of the material and mobilisation of the reserves. Starting situation after the Hengstpass: 6th place.
Race Around Austria Challenge – Chase – Foto: Peter Maurer
Arrived at the top the descent was tackled with the time bike. The following flat piece by Windischgarsten Felix unwound in the usual aero-position. Unfortunately, a rail crossing at Steinbach am Ziehberg stopped the rapid race to catch up. The collected experience of the last years let the supervisor crew react quickly and they postponed the change to the racing bike by 1 km, got rid of the superfluous nightwear and provided the athlete with necessary food and drink. The loss of time was limited to about 2 minutes. In the same rhythm Felix attacked the upcoming Ziehberg, again followed by a fast descent on the time bike. Now there was only one ascent to Gmunden, short and up to 12% steep. With gels, caffeine and all available reserves Felix fought his way up the ramps towards Attersee. Ranking after the last obstacle with 270W cut: 4th place.
Arrived at the summit the usual scenario: Changing to the time bike to hide deep in the aeroposition. The distance to 5th place had to be kept constant, not to take any risks on the last 30 kilometres past Mondsee, heading for the starting and finishing place Sankt Georgen in Attergau.
The last painful waves were attacked with euphoria and the incessant cheers of the crew from the support vehicle.
Race Around Austria Solo Challenge 2018 – Ziel – Foto: Peter Maurer
The town sign marked the finish: At 11:26, after 18 hours 20 minutes with an average of 30.7 km/h Felix finished 4th at the first Austrian Ultra Long Distance Championships. Click here for the results.
/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/handcrafted-01-vergrößert-280x300.png00Felix Schneider/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/handcrafted-01-vergrößert-280x300.pngFelix Schneider2018-08-16 13:49:402018-08-21 10:29:13Race Around Austria Solo Challenge
On August 11th Kirchschlag in the Buckligen Welt was the venue of the Schlossberg XC. The traditional event was held for the 17th time this year. For Chase team rider Manfred, this race is always something special, as he comes from the town and was already at the start of the very first edition of this event in 2001, at that time still in the student class.
He won each of the last three races and was therefore again the favourite this year. The track was very deep and muddy due to heavy rainfall the night before the race, which made it extremely exhausting for all participants. Nevertheless, Manfred took the lead of the field immediately after the start and set the pace. Only one rider was able to follow him for a fairly long time, but on the ascents it quickly emerged who was the stronger of the two on this day. After 1 hour and 9 minutes Manfred crossed the finish line as the winner and thus lived up to his role as favourite.
In this beautiful autumn day the conditions were perfect. Head off to a cross-race in Langenzersdorf just next to Vienna: the athletes of Team Chase all showed a very good performance at the ‘King & Queen of Seeschlacht’. Our Chase Mud-rims – available as disk version and as rim-brake version – were perfect to fight in those tough race conditions.
The specific cross-country rims give comfort in the long straight but turbulent passages and at the same time enable the cyclist to pass trough the sharp curves fast. Our athlete Manfred Zöger reached with an excellent performance the second place in the overall standing in the 60′ elite-race behind a cyclist from Hungary. Second cross-race and second position on the podium. After his disease, Felix Ritzinger showed also that he is a powerful cyclist. He showed a good performance and for the next races you can definitely count on a position on the winner’s rostrum. Felix Schneider was one of the strongest bikers in the 40′ race. After catching up from a rear starting position he reached the leading group. He finished with a good performance and finally reached the third row in the overall standings.
A great day for Team Chase.
Handcrafted Carbon Wheels applied in the tough race conditions.
/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/handcrafted-01-vergrößert-280x300.png00Caro/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/handcrafted-01-vergrößert-280x300.pngCaro2018-08-06 11:03:272018-08-06 11:03:27Team Chase with Mud-rims at Seeschlacht Langenzersdorf
Mid of July – Summer, Sun, Salzkammergut Trophy: For all mountain bikers, this event in Bad Goisern is an annual must. More than 5,000 participants started on one of seven possible distances in the 21st edition of this classic.
Felix was the first rider for the Chase team to enter the competition at 5.00 a.m. – insiders know what this early start time means: 210 kilometres and 7,100 metres of elevation gain, the extreme distance through Salzkammergut! Since for the experienced long-distance athlete such ultra distances are nothing completely unusual anymore, he also showed an accordingly high performance! After 13 hours and 18 minutes he reached the finish line very tired although extremely satisfied.
In the meantime Manfred had also completed his race. He started on the 55 km “All-Mountain”-distance, which contains the most difficult downhills of the region. An extremely exciting course of the race developed on this track. On the last climb, the top group of four fell apart after an attack by the German Simon Gessler, only Manfred could follow the pace. In the final descent and on the last flat kilometres towards the finish, the two rivals even worked together to maintain their advantage on the rest of the competition. The decision had to be made during the sprint and Manfred was unbeatable – he won with a 2 hours and 40 minutes race time, only 1 second ahead of Gessler.
The fourth race of the 2018 German Cycling League took place as part of the St. Pölten Cycling Marathon. The start and finish was directly in front of the state government building, but in between were 165 sweaty and demanding race kilometres for the drivers.
The race of the elite offered an extremely exciting competition in sultry weather in Ötscherland and the Mariazell area. The course was packed with many meters of altitude and demanding descents and demanded everything from the drivers. At the front Riccardo Zoidl of Felbermayr Wels won the race, behind him Chase team rider Manfred crossed the finish line with the main field after a driving time of 4 h and 30 min. The Chase Up wheels again did a great job and passed the endurance test both uphill and downhill with flying colours.
Chase Technical Manager Felix was also at the start in St. Pölten – he started a few minutes after the elite riders in the much larger field of amateurs. However, it was the same demanding and challenging course for the participants as for the elite riders. Felix found himself after the first mountain of the second group. The many animating attempts to keep up the pace to avoid a grouping of the rear drivers cost grains. On the penultimate climb he had to let his competitors go, and in the second half of the race he had cramps. Nevertheless, he finished the race in the front half of the field.
/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/handcrafted-01-vergrößert-280x300.png00Isabell Lange/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/handcrafted-01-vergrößert-280x300.pngIsabell Lange2018-05-20 14:15:232018-07-05 14:18:21Stage win for Felix at the RBB-Tour!
