Cycling: Yesterday, Friday, the first PRO Ötztaler 5.500 was held. Roman Kreuziger (Orica-Scott) prevailed in the altitude spectacle ahead of Simon Spilak (Katusha-Alpecin) and Giulio Ciccone (Bardiani-CSF). Afterwards there was almost nothing but praise for the route and the organization - also from the winner from the Czech Republic.
After more than 6,5 hours, Kreuziger is the first to conquer the 5.500 meters in altitude
After more than six and a half hours, the torture was finally over. Two days before the amateurs complete the marathon event, the pros pedaled hard. Over 217 kilometers around Sölden, no fewer than 5.500 meters in altitude had to be conquered. The program included the Timmelsjoch, Jaufpass, Kühtai and Brenner climbs. It goes without saying that only a real climber could finish the race in front here. And that's the way it was. Roman Kreuziger lived up to his role as favourite. The Czech crossed the finish line 43 seconds ahead of Simon Spilak. The best Austrian, Riccardo Zoidl (Team Felbermayr-Simplon Wels) was already more than three and a half minutes behind in fifth place. With this tough route, it was not surprising that in the end only around a third of the starters were able to reach the finish line.
Roman Kreuziger: “It was a very tough day and I'm overjoyed that I was able to win the premiere of this race. And it was also my first win for my Orica-Scott team. This race absolutely has the potential to be a really great classic.”
The PRO Ötztaler 5.500 could become a real classic
Admittedly, the top stars of the racing bike scene were not yet at the start of the PRO Ötztaler 5.500 this year. But that could change suddenly. The pros themselves were full of praise after the race. Not only the winner, Roman Kreuziger, praised the tough race and already sees it as an important classic for the future. Simon Spilak found something like: “I really liked it and I hope to do it again in the future. I can't remember the last time I climbed so many meters.” Riccardo Zoidl could only agree: "The race demanded everything from us." Even the winner, Roman Kreuziger, didn't look quite as fresh after the race as he did at the start. However, his smile outshined everything. And rightly so, because the Czech not only won the first edition of the pros, he also broke the previous record set by Hugo Jenni in 2001 by around 13 minutes.