With more than 100 professional athletes set to be on the start line, Challenge St Pölten is gearing up for a busy race this weekend. The race is going ahead as originally scheduled on May 30, 2021.
In the men’s race, the biggest favourites seem to be Thomas Steger and Sebastian Kienle. Two weeks ago Steger was the strongest at Challenge Riccione thanks to a strong run, and this weekend the Austrian also has a home advantage. Kienle will also be at the start: the former world champion was also strong at Challenge Riccione, where he ran from an almost impossible position to a third place.
In addition, the organisers add that… ‘many eyes will be on Magnus Ditlev, among others – the Danish athlete is perhaps the revelation of this season and shows himself to be inimitable, especially on the bike – and Pieter Heemeryck. Other athletes in the mix include Pablo Gonzalez Dapena, Frederic Funk, Maurice Clavel and Ruedi Wild.
In the women’s race, the biggest battle seems to be between Anne Haug, Imogen Simmonds, Maja Stage-Nielsen and Lisa Norden. Haug will be keen – after missing out on Challenge Miami due to coronavirus restrictions. Lisa Norden, who finished third during ANFI Challenge Mogan-Gran Canaria, is also a favourite for the highest step of the podium.
Unfortunately, it has proved impossible for British athletes to travel to Austria this week and so athletes such as Lucy Hall, among others, will not be racing Challenge St Pölten. Some of the women who should also be considered for the podium include Italy’s Margie Santimaria, Germany’s Laura Zimmerman and Germany’s Lina-Kristin Schink.
Challenge St Pölten will start on Sunday, May 30th, 06:30 CEST. In Austria the race will be live broadcasted on ÖRF.
