This years Genghis Khan MTB Adventure started just as last year since Martin Breuvart from France finished first, just one second before Darren Benson from Australia. The first stage started in Na Damu Arena and ended in the Mongolian tent village Menggu Hansheng. The first stage went very well except from the shifting weather. Even though the sun made an appearance occasionally, the bikers experienced some heavy rain during some parts of the race, and finished completely wet and covered in mud. However, looking from the bright side, thanks to the rain the inner Mongolian grasslands are greener and even more beautiful this year…just as it is suppose to be.

Liu Tao Tao did another great race and finished as the best lady, followed by Zheng Rufang. Liu Tao Tao is very strong on her mountain bike and has already won plenty of events organized by Nordic Ways.

Both Liu Tao and Martin defended their yellow jerseys in the second stage today. And due to the better weather, they could approach the finish in the crowded Xi Wu Qi city square, much cleaner and without mud in their face. As yesterday Darren Benson was not far behind Martin, but still had to see himself defeated with just some tiny small seconds. Also in the women’s race, Zheng Rufang kept her second place, and Esther Ruth Hautle from Switzerland managed to climb the podium after finishing as third.

The atmosphere was fantastic as always in this small Inner Mongolian city Xi Wu Qi.
The locals had all gathered in the city square to cheer the bikers in the finish and the athletes were being photographed and frequently asked for their autographs.

Tomorrow is the last stage of MTB before the marathon on Monday. The 85K race has both start and finish in the City Square, and it will thereby be a long day for the locals, but a great event-finish for the bikers. We are crossing our fingers to keep the rain away, two more days!