Leonie Daubermann actually competes in the U23 class and already showed herself in absolute top form there this season. In Gedern, however, she wanted to underline her Olympic ambitions with a good performance in the women's elite. And she succeeded more than impressively.

The race got off to a difficult start. Due to a crash in the field, Nina Benz and Kim Ames suddenly pulled away. However, Daubermann was able to close the gap of about 20 seconds together with the later second-placed Ronja Eibl and pass the two riders who had been leading for a long time. In the end, Leonie won the exciting duel with her rival for gold. Bronze went to Benz.

"This is an indescribable feeling," said Leonie Daubermann, happy about her great success, which would hardly have been possible a few months ago. After all, the MTB rider had to fight injuries again and again. The jubilation at the finish was all the greater: "This is the reward for the hard work of the past months. I know the depths I had to overcome and therefore I appreciate even more that form, material and everything else came together so perfectly. I am overjoyed."

Now the newly crowned German champion can justifiably hope for a nomination for the Olympics in Tokyo (23 July to 8 August). She has the qualification for this in her pocket thanks to her gold medal. Now the BDR will decide. "That would be the fulfilment of a dream, of course," she says.

U23 rider Eydt jubilant about bronze

Markus Eydt also had every reason to cheer. He showed a strong performance on his STEVENS bike and secured bronze in the U23 race in the end. Only David List (gold) and Leon Kaiser (silver) were faster. "I am very happy about my first medal. I already felt good in the past weeks and so also this weekend. Now I want to take the momentum into the next weeks. I still have a lot to do", said a happy Markus Eydt.

Louis Krauss from the STEVENS MTB Racing Team was 8th, Benedikt Fritz 16th and Tobias Fritz finished 23rd. In the women's U23 class Markus Eydt's sister Emma finished 6th.