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In the final lap, Julien Absalon attacked and would see the others back after crossing the finish line. For a second time in a row, the Orbea-racer wins the World Cup race in Houffalize however he had to fight hard to get it.
The winning Julien Absalon reacts: "I had not a good start, but managed to get in the chasing group. Suddenly I was able to make the difference and take the lead and continued my own race. It's nice to win again in Houffalize and you can bet on it that I will defend the World Cup jersey."
Finishing second, Wolfram Kurschat said: "I had a bad start and had to fight my way back up and got to Burry and Julien. Suddenly I was in a nice group, made a gap and thought it was good. Then Julien passes me as fast as lightening and didn't see him back. Julien is extremely strong and I have lots of respect for him."
Team-mate Näf, José Antonio Hermida, finished on sixth position: "I had a bad position due to quitting the race in Offenburg, but was able to get in front quickly. In the last lap, I punctured and fixed it but lost time in the tech zone for an additional cartridge with air."
"I'm ready for the World Cup race in Madrid where the whole team will try to be at their best. It's already a dream for a long time to win in Madrid. It's near my home and I feel well there...", concluded Hermida.
Leaving the World Cup mountainbike scene is Filip Meirhaeghe: "It was a wonderful race full with emotions when the fans were encouraging me. I couldn't hold my tears, loving the race and just enjoyed the moment. The final 200 metres where the fans were thanking me was really amazing..."
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