Ilias, Langvad win mountain bike marathon world titles

Greek, Danish riders win foggy marathon titles in France

Perikilis Ilias and Annika Langvad won mountain bike marathon world titles on Sunday in Ornans, France.

Seven-time Greek cross-country champion Ilias pulled on the rainbow jersey after dispatching German silver medalist Moritz Milatz and Kristian Hynek of the Czech Republic.

Ilias led the 84km race from tip-to-tail through slick mud and fog. While he confirmed after the race that his plan had not been to lead from the start, once he pulled away, the 26-year-old cross-country specialist disappeared into the fog and never looked back.

Two punctures were not enough to slow Ilias and Milatz finished 2:28 down.

Shifting difficulties in the mud waylaid defending champion Christoph Sauser. He was able to fix the issue with 30km to go and shot from 15th place to fourth, just 2:58 away from defending the jersey.

Langvad retained the women’s title for Denmark.

The 28-year-old defending champion pulled away from silver medalist Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa (Norway) on the first climb and held on to a lead of just 44 seconds over the four-time marathon champion, despite a puncture and a crash in the final six kilometers of the race.

Switzerland’s Esther Süss finished third, 1:40 down.

Popular on Velo