While Liv-Susanne Bachmann and Sandra Gockertwere able to collect some racing kilometers on the road and at MTB marathons prior their first CC race this summer, Susanne Juranek was riding her first race of the season in Solingen.Sandra Gockert, last year's overall NRW-Cup winner, is defending her title this year and started into the race with high expectations.For Susanne Juranek, the questions were, “Where do I stand?” and “What training do I have to concentrate on?”

Susanne made a good start and was third on the track after a warm-up lap.
Liv had no luck during the start and gave up additional seconds to the lead on the first downhill stretches, but was able to catch up during the long climb uphill.
Not only on the downhill stretches – with their narrow turns and uneven landings –  but also going uphill, full concentration was required to keep from  sliding off on the slippery clay ground.
Liv fought her way steadily to the fore and reached fourth by the third lap.
Susanne, still not in top shape for the steep climbs, had to struggle against Kim Hoekman of the Netherlands and newcomers from the up-and-coming category.

Liv fell back one place due to a disagreement regarding the lap count, finishing fifth after 01:03:08 hrs. Susanne rallied against Kim Hoekman and even broke away during the final laps, finishing sixth with a margin of nearly 36 seconds. Sandra Gockert was second to cross the finish line, placing her in the podium for the fifth time this season.