Hoogerland and Pichler win at Pannonia Gravel

Johnny Hoogerland and Corinna Pichler won the long-distance races at the third Pannonia Gravel event near Breitenbrunn last weekend, ORF Burgenland reported. About 400 riders from 14 countries took part.

The event offered a 40-kilometre course with 600 metres of climbing and a 73-kilometre route with 1,150 metres of climbing. The routes crossed the Austrian Armed Forces’ military training ground at Bruckneudorf, which is usually closed to the public. Organiser Johannes Hessenberger said the event had again received special permission to use it.

Hoogerland broke away on the long course a few kilometres after the start and was not caught. The Dutch-born rider, who lives in Villach, said the route was “mega” and mostly gravel. He had also won the event’s first edition and recently became amateur gravel world champion in Australia.

Pichler, from Upper Austria, won the women’s long-distance race despite several problems. She said she had trouble with her saddle at the start and rode the final 15 kilometres with a flat tyre.

Klaus Haberl won the men’s 40-kilometre race, while Annemarie Wilhelm took the women’s title. Hessenberger said the event had been a successful day of cycling in Burgenland, with no accidents.