"I was actually expecting a tactical race on this route, as it had a few flat sections and Elsbeth Vink is known as a strong road cyclist. But to my own surprise, I already had a small lead after the first ramp, which I was able to extend significantly on the following singletrail," said a beaming Barbara Blatter in the Obwalden morning sun. "Whether it will be enough for overall victory in the O-Tour is questionable. Marathon races are not really my thing, I find it mentally difficult to compete in such long races, but I should have a good basis from the training sessions. I also have clear priorities, and Athens is far more important to me than a possible victory in the overall standings of the O-Tour," said the Bülach native, immediately dampening expectations for the final marathon on Sunday.

Barbara Blatter's opinion on the "Meirhaeghe case"
Barbara Blatter has ambivalent feelings about this week's dominant headline in her Specialized racing team: "The fact that Filip Meirhaeghe was caught with EPO is a shame for the team and for the sport of cycling. Now I'll just carry on as a one-woman team until the end of the season. On the other hand, I'm pleased that the out-of-competition doping controls are taking effect, especially because they were carried out unexpectedly. I feel sorry for Filip personally, I've known him for a very long time."

O-Tour 2004, 2nd stage: Cross Country

Results women's elite:
1st Barbara Blatter, Bülach, Specialized International, in 1:11.47 hours
2nd Elsbeth Vink, NED, Farm Frites-Exact Software, + 0.42
3. Lisa Mathison, AUS, Ghost International, + 3.44
4th Bernardine Boog-Rauwerda, NED, Exact Software, + 4.48
5th Sandy Kunz, TG Hütten-Coop City-Price, + 5.41

Results Ladies Fun:
1st Renata Bucher, Lucerne, in 37.55
2nd Rita Stopher, + 0.52
3rd Jeanette Haas, + 1.37