August 21, 2005

Frischi is Marathon World Champion

Thomas Frischknecht, at the age of 35, won his second Marathon World Championship in Lillehammer, Norway. In 2003, Frischknecht seized the gold at the first mountain bike Marathon Worlds in Lugano, a title he renewed yesterday.

Riding a very tactical race, Frischi, on his ultralight SCALE, very cleverly became part of a five-man leading group that included Bart Brentjens. With 16 km to go, Frischi launched an offensive and held on for the victory. He crossed the line in 3 hours, 52 minutes.

About the victory, Frischi said, "Winning a rainbow jersey again at the age of 35 is hard to describe. After being in second place at worlds for so many years, I never dreamed about winning another world championship title in the fall of my career. It is my tenth MTB worlds medal (15th including cyclo-cross) and fifth consecutive medal since 2001".

Frischknecht is, without a doubt, one of the most decorated champions in the bike world, with 16 years of racing experience at the top level. With his much-appreciated personality and positive attitude, he sets an example for the next generation, not just in mountain biking but in the whole world of sport. Congratulations Frischi!

"It took many, many years of racing but finally I did it! The perfect race!"