Innsbruck Marathon Innsbruck, Austria, August 15, 2002 Click on an image to see it full size with a description.

TWINCAM/Salomon speedster Eddy Matzger made a daring break and captured a coveted podium spot at the Innsbruck Roller World Cup Marathon in Innsbruck, Austria, on August 15, 2002. After being pumped up by the announcer as the American "superstar" from Berkeley, CA, Matzger became the race's major animator when he bolted from the gigantic pack midway through lap 1 of 10.

Eddy stayed clear for 3 laps with a maximum lead of 40 seconds before being chased down by a group of 4 skaters representing three major teams and one independent: Salomon, Rollerblade, Sport XX, and a Slovenian skater. "I attacked early to avoid all the customary scuffling for position and luckily wasn't so blown up when the chasers caught that I coulnd't stay with them," said Matzger, who managed to regroup in the middle of the race and before forcing the pace incessantly as the finish drew near.

"It was actually a relief to have had company because the wind was ferocious and even a wildly cheering crowd can't keep your legs fresh forever," admitted Matzger, who was barely nipped at the line by an ecstatic Christian Luginbuhl (Team Sport XX).

The race took place in the staggeringly beautiful surroundings of Innsbruck, Austria, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Bar and cafe patrons were treated to the spectacle of inline racing and responded with resounding applause every time competitors passed by at breakneck speeds.

Eddy's lust for battle did not go unnoticed by the race organizers either. "Many thanks for being a part of our race," wrote race director Lisi Schrenk, who also captured second place in the pro women's division. "Now you have many more fans-- the Austrian people like you so very much . . ."

Inline One Eleven race winner Tristan Loy tried to bridge to the leaders but was unable to break free and clear and ended up in fifth. Up on the podium, the winners Christophe Luginbuhl, Eddy Matzger, and Markic Urban received giant checks for their hard work well done.

	Long line		Scenic start		Strung out
	Streak		Hurting		Coming through
	Sweet Sabine		Street course		Tristan watches
	Wary Christophe		Tangled up		TV!
	Going for it		New friends		Results

Return to action shots Return to home

Copyright 1997 - 2002 Eddy Matzger Workshop. All rights reserved worldwide.