Urge Kenya Winner

King of the Mountain

Date: 2009-02-09

René Wildhaber is came out on top of the first edition of Urge Kenya, ahead of Nicolas Vouilloz and Fabien Barel, who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.



René, who was ill the day before, had fully recovered friday morning at 10 am for the start of the 24 km DH from 4850 m above sea level. He was among the favourites and he didn't disappoint with a very fast time.

Nicolas Vouilloz couldn’t wasn't able to challenge his time, in spite of his skills on the way down; he didn't have the fitness to challenge René on such a long course.

Fabien Barel whose shoulder was injured during a photo shoot bit the bullet and finished third, just before the “old fox” of Sam Péridy.



Some Disappointments
Mark Weir, whose bike never arrived, saddled up a ride provided by the organizers. One of the favourites from the outset, Mark also had two flats erasing any chance he had at victory.

Alex Balaud, an enduro specialist, never reached the summit (and the and the start of the race) because of the altitude sickness.



Solid Performances
With a solid 5th place finish, Wade Simmons, who is “only” a freeride specialist, surprised everyone except himself.  Compatriot Darren Berrcloth, who finished an impressive 7th ahead of enduro specialists such as Mark Weir (who took a wrong turn) and Yvaral Villier (victim of altitude sickness).

This race seduced all the riders and crowned one among them, René Wildhaber, king of the mountain.

1 - René Wildhaber 1'17"53
2 - Nicolas Vouilloz 1'24"08
3 - Fabien Barel 1'36"30
4 - Samuel Peridy 1'37"40
5 - Wade Simmons 1'38"19
6 - Remy Absalon 1'45"13
7 - Darren Berrecloth 1'52"57
8 - Mark Weir 1'57"13
10 - Alex Balaud

For more info head to urgekenya.com

---

Stumble this! | Tweet this!