Podium finish and best career result for Keller – Flückiger disappointed with third place

In front of 11,500 enthusiastic spectators, the Thömus maxon team also succeeds at its home World Cup in Lenzerheide. Alessandra Keller finishes in the top three for the first time in her career in the elite. In the men’s race Mathias Flückiger cannot win after a very strong performance. Together with Nino Schurter he comes to fall. The good third place is a small consolation. 

Alessandra Keller was able to maintain her position in the leading group throughout the race and also took the lead in the meantime. But with Lecomte (Fra) and Rissveds (Swe) she had two very strong competitors. Keller finally had to admit defeat to their increased speed. Thanks to the advantage she had gained beforehand, however, she was able to secure an excellent third place.

Alessandra Keller overwhelmed
“It was a brilliant atmosphere here in Lenzerheide and I could fully absorb the energy of the spectators. I’m overjoyed to be able to realize my first podium finish here at my home race and it gives me tailwind for the rest of the season,” she stated with shining eyes after crossing the finish line. The winner was Loana Lecomte. Second was the Swedish champion Jenny Rissveds.

Perfect race ends with disappointment for Flückiger
In the men’s race Mathias Flückiger once again delivered the familiar fireworks. In a gripping race, marked by lead changes and acceleration, he was able to maintain his position in the first positions after a restrained starting lap. The race developed into a four-way battle between Nino Schurter, Italian Luca Braidot, South African Alan Hatherly and Mathias Flückiger. On the last lap in the last forest section – away from the cameras – there was a collision between local hero Nino Schurter and Mathias Flückiger. Both crashed and Luca Braidot became the big profiteer. He wins his first World Cup race can win.

“The race went perfectly until this race accident on the final lap. I saw a gap and acted intuitively. That it came to the fall I regret very much, but that is probably just part of racing. Third place is certainly not what I had hoped for,” said Mathias Flückiger at the finish.

Albin again very strong 
Vital Albin again achieved a very solid result at his home race. With his excellent 13th place, he achieved his second-best World Cup result and consolidated his position among the extended world leaders. In the U23 race Luke Wiedmann did not have a good day, as he was ill the day before and also had bad luck with a defect.