World Inline-Cup – BERLIN-MARATHON

Rain-soaked streets in Berlin on Saturday afternoon kept times slow in the tenth stage of the World Inline Cup 07. But the races were no less exciting for that. In fact, spills to the spectator probably add to the spectacle. And the way the skaters either retrieve their balance or surge upright and spin off in pursuit of their rivals suggest that, to them it’s just part of the game of inline skating.

Massimiliano Presti of Italy, one of a family of speed-skaters from Sicily – not something you expect to read regularly – had already wrapped up the overall title before this tenth of twelve stages of the season. But Presti, skating for Bont Hyper was still in the mix for victory at the end of the marathon distance, despite the sodden conditions in the German capital. But the rain gave some of the lesser lights the opportunity to excel.
While the rest of the elite were throttling back, protecting their well-honed bodies, Nicolas Iten of Switzerland, skating for Sportvital Rollerblade World was leading a breakaway group clear. Unusually, he got away from Presti and an accompanying quartet, with three kilometres to go.

Despite a later rally by the pursuers, Iten held on to win in one hour, twelve minutes and 30 seconds. Peter Michael of New Zealand, skating for Powerslide Phuzion, was second on 1.12.35, the same time going to third-placed Roger Schneider, another Swiss, skating for Athleticum Rollerblade Zurich. Presti was fourth on 1.12.36.
The times were about ten minutes slower than on a dry course. But they suited winner, Iten. "Rain can be dangerous, especially if you're following someone closely, as happens a lot in inline. But these conditions suit my style and technique. I'm quite fit, and have a quick turnover (stride), which you need for rainy conditions. I also prefer the cold, so it was better for me".

The women’s race was similarly slow, but with a more traditional finish, ie a mass sprint for the line. Hilde Goovaerts of Belgium, skating for Cado Motus World/Zemst won in 1.23.20, from Sabine Berg of Germany, skating for Powerslide Phuzion, with over all circuit leader, Laura Lardani of Italy, skaing for Sportvital Rollerblade in third. The top six shared the winners’ time.
Goovaerts was also someone who welcomed the rain, saying, "It was really hard, but I like it, because normally the other girls are faster than me in the sprint".
The event is held in the context of the real,- Berlin Marathon weekend, and the footrace, with defending champions, Haile Gebrselassie and Gete Wami of Ethiopia starts at 9am (GMT+2) Sunday.

Pat Butcher