The Mongolia Bike Challenge Enters the Dunes of the Gobi

August 3, 2011 – The second stage of the Mongolia Bike Challenge started this morning in Mount Dund Saikhan in favorable race conditions: mild weather, nice track, and the promise of reaching the dunes today. Marzio Deho was in good form this morning, quickly finding his rhythm and looking strong from the beginning. The two Canadians who came first and second in stage 1 yesterday, also looked strong and stuck on Deho’s wheel, much to the frustration of the Italian. At the 95 kilometre mark of the difficult 126 kilometer stage, Deho launched an attack and was able to sustain the effort to the end, winning with a time of 4h33'10". Cory Wallace finished second in 4h43´50",  but still held on to the overall classification. Sven Gerber had an outstanding day, finishing third in 4h43´50". In the women’s race, Melinda Jackson of Australia won the stage (5h50´00") and held onto her pink leader’s jersey. She was followed by Rafaella Canónico (Orbea). Riders are spending the night in a traditional Gher Camp in the Gobi Desert.