Red Bull Romaniacs 2007 - Last Day |
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File under Racing
Author: Katrin Strobl
Location: Normandy, France
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THIRD VICTORY FOR CYRIL DESPRES
Final Day: 4th Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rally, 17 – 21 June 2007
After 2004 and 2005 it is again Cyril Despres from France who wins the Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rallye in 2007, gaining his third victory in the fourth edition of the rally. German Privateer Gerhard Forster finishes second overall ahead of the New Zealander Chris Birch. Despres won the last special over 190km ahead of Chris Birch and Gerhard Forster.
Only 30 minutes after the start Michel Gau (FRA) broke his right arm in a crash and could not continue the last special.
 Podium (c) Dean Treml
The first man early away this Thursday morning was Michel Gau. The Frenchman had retaken the overall lead from Cyril Despres yesterday. As it was quite probable that these two riders fought it out, both of them were motivated to give their best on the last and decisive day of the fourth Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro Rally. However, Michel Gau had the bad luck on his side and crashed; only 30 minutes after the start he slipped on a piece of wood made him fall off the bike and against a tree. His right arm was broken and he was not able to continue the race. Cyril Despres immediately stopped and stayed with him until the first aid arrived. 20 minutes later he continued the race without knowing how many riders had already passed.
In the mean time 23-year old Chris Birch (NZL) did well, made no mistakes and was the first to finish the last special stage. Crossing the finish line second Cyril Despres got a time credit for staying with Michel Gau and - besides the overall victory – is today’s winner. Gerhard Forster, Privateer from Germany, completes the stage’s podium and claims the second overall position.
 Kyle Redmond (c) Peter Mathis
“The hardest day of all four off-road stages”, the riders agreed unanimously after they had successfully and literally taken the last steps to the finish high above Sibiu. The see-saw right at the beginning, steep uphills, an almost never-ending and slippery downhill and a merciless last ascent to the day’s and overall finish – just to mention a few of today’s specialities the remaining 78 participates had to deal with.
Cyril Despres, FRA
“Michel and I were really pushing hard yesterday and we were ready for fighting this morning. But only short after the start Michel suddenly fell off his bike and I stopped to see what happened. He had his right arm broken and I stayed with him until the people from the first aid arrived. I didn’t care for the race because we are friends first! 20 minutes later I continued my race. I went swimming with my bike in the nearby river … I think it was the hardest day in this race. However, I think we’ve had great luck with the weather because it can make up to 25% in a race like this. I have to thank the organisation, they did a good job and as I learned today the people from the first aid are never far! I had some great days of riding and it makes me feel great to have won this rally again!”
Results Day 5, 21 June 2007
Professionals
1. Cyril Despres - FRA
2. Chris Birch - NZL
3. Gerhard Forster - GER
Overall Standings
Professionals
1. Cyril Despres - FRA - 20:13:42
2. Gerhard Forster - GER - 20:51:42
3. Chris Birch - NZL - 20:54:43
4. Kyle Redmond - USA - 21:20:53
5. Alex Antor - AND - 21:59:18
6. Frans Verhoeven - NED - 22:29:31
7. Dieter Happ - AUT - 22:53:48
For the complete results and pictures see www.redbullromaniacs.com
NOTE: The organizers didn't send in any other photos, videos or standings in the other classes. If you're interested, check their website regularly.
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