Alessandra Keller and Lars Forster finish in the top five
At the Short Track World Cup in Soldier Hollow, USA, numerous lead and position changes make for closely contested races right down to the finish. Alessandra Keller takes second place with a tactically astute ride, while Lars Forster finishes fifth in the men’s race.
On the fast Soldier Hollow course, the Elite women’s race develops into a tactical battle. Frequent changes at the front prevent any rider from establishing a decisive gap until the closing stages. In the penultimate lap, eventual winner Martina Berta (ITA) takes advantage of a moment of hesitation in the leading group to open up a small gap.
Keller takes the initiative
Alessandra Keller adopts a similar tactic on the final lap. The Swiss rider initially allows a small gap to open up before accelerating past her rivals. She manages to defend her narrow advantage all the way to the finishing straight. In the sprint, she holds on by the narrowest of margins to take second place. European Champion Sina Frei (SUI) completes the podium.
The men’s race is equally open until the finish. Numerous position battles, rain setting in and tactical manoeuvring mean that around ten riders are still in contention for the win heading into the final sprint.
Forster moves up through the field
Lars Forster stays out of the very front of the race for much of the turbulent contest, gradually moving his way towards the leading positions almost unnoticed. When it matters, the Swiss rider is there and finishes an excellent fifth. Sam Gaze (NZL) takes the win ahead of Luca Martin (FRA) and European Champion Charlie Aldridge (GBR).
Mathias Flückiger and Vital Albin finish 22nd and 24th respectively after very active races. Both riders finish only a small amount of time behind the leading positions.
Monique Halter finishes 13th
U23 World Champion Monique Halter is unable to challenge for the top positions this time. In another fiercely contested race, she finishes in 13th place.
Nicolas Halter wins in the World Champion’s jersey
Nicolas Halter of Thömus Akros Youngstars takes victory in the U23 race while wearing the World Champion’s jersey.