One of Germany’s greatest mountainbike places is the Black Forrest. In Kirchzarten, where Bart Brentjens became World Champion in 1995, is the start of the Black Forrest Ultra marathon. Karen Brouwer rode the ‘classic’ marathon distance of 77 kilometres and finished in 3.44.55 at second place behind local favourite Bettina Uhlig from Freiburg.
“Teammate Ramses Bekkenk was one step lower on the podium at the `Raid des Hautes Fagnes´ in Belgium Malmedy. Just like in Kirchzarten circumstances were tough in Malmedy due to heavy rainfall prior to the race. After 115 kilometres and 3200 altimeters Joris Massaer appeared to be the strongest followed by Niels Boon and Bekkenk.