World Cup victory for Alessandra Keller
Alessandra Keller celebrates the first World Cup victory of her career in Snowshoe, USA.
With rain coming down and difficult track conditions Keller and Jenny Rissveds (SWE) had a thrilling duel at the top.
With a brilliant last lap Keller managed to take the lead, distance Rissveds and take her first World Cup victory.
It was difficult and nasty conditions at the women’s race in Snowshoe. Alessandra Keller managed a good start and she was able to establish herself in the usual positions of the leading group. She showed excellent form and took over the leading work at the top again and again. As a result, the leading group became smaller and smaller and at the halfway point of the race consisted of Alessandra Keller, Jenny Rissveds from Sweden and Anne Terpstra from the Netherlands.
As the rain started to fall, the course became more and more challenging to ride. Rissveds used the slippery descents to open up a small gap, which Keller was able to close again thanks to a great effort on the climbs.
Together the duo went into the last lap. In the soggy meadow descent, Rissveds risked too much, slipped and fell into the mud. Keller was able to pass and pushed the pace. At the same time, it was important not to risk too much in the slippery and very difficult root passages. Inspired by the top position, Alessandra literally flew towards the finish line. On the finishing straight, she had enough of a lead of 37 seconds to celebrate and enjoy her first World Cup victory.
Alessandra Keller mud-smeared and overjoyed
“It was a crazy race day. Before the start, the number of laps was increased. Mid race rain set in, changed the course and made it extremely challenging to drive. My goal was to race consistently and without mistakes. Now I have won my first World Cup in the elite category. I am overjoyed and can hardly believe it,” said the beaming Keller at the finish line.
Crash and race retirement for Luke Wiedmann
Luke Wiedmann did not fare as well in the men’s U23 race. The man from Solothurn showed a good start and rode in the top ten in the first two laps. In the third lap he crashed in a fast downhill. He suffered abrasions and unfortunately could not finish the race.
Flückiger and Albin did not start
Mathias Flückiger and Vital Albin decided not to start in Snowshoe (USA) and Mont-Sainte-Anne (CAN) due to health reasons.
Both are now focusing on training and will return to racing at the European and World Championships respectively.