They like to come together in Wels again and again, and have been doing so for a quarter of a century. The inner-city cycling criterium, once initiated by the tireless regional association president Paul Resch, turns the trade fair city into Austria’s absolute cycling hotspot every year a few days after the Tour de France. And again on Wednesday, where the 25th anniversary had some highlights in store and local hero Riccardo Zoidl won a home victory for the first time in ten years.
The Wels captain pulled away from fellow escapee Gregor Mühlberger (Movistar) two laps before the end of the more or less serious show race and crossed the finish line with a narrow lead over his onrushing pursuers. “My legs were probably no longer loose enough after the Tour de France,” said Mühlberger.
Image: Herman Seidl
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Image: Herman Seidl
This was also admitted by Felix Gall, who came third this time. The three tough weeks in France took their toll. “The Tour is really taking its toll on me. On Tuesday morning I wasn’t sure whether starting in Wels would make sense for me. But then things got better and it’s actually a matter of honour for me,” said the East Tyrolean, who won the queen stage last year and had to settle for 14th place as captain this year.
