Alessandra Keller takes gold in short track, silver for Forster

At the Swiss Short Track Championships in Crans Montana, Alessandra Keller won gold in a tactical women’s race. Lars Forster just missed winning the title and took silver.

At the Swiss Short Track Championships, which were held for the second time, the races were tactical, as expected, because the course offered hardly any technical difficulties and only twelve meters of altitude had to be covered per lap. Alessandra Keller was tactically very clever and did not attack until half a lap before the end. The current world number 1 was ultimately able to enjoy gold with a four-second lead.

“The plan worked”

“I had only one tactic and put everything on one card. I am very happy that this plan worked out and that I can now also start at the World Cup with the jersey of the Swiss champion. Today’s race gives me confidence and motivation for Sunday”, a visibly satisfied Alessandra Keller summed up at the finish.

In the men’s race, too, the decision was not made until the last lap. Lars Forster was able to take the lead in the final lap, but a carelessness cost him the title. Thomas Litscher was able to profit from this and took gold. Lars Forster secured the silver medal, while Vital Albin came in an ungrateful fourth.

Mistake in the final costs the title

Forster analyzed at the finish: “It was a good race, but unfortunately I made a mistake in one of the last turns. Thomas Litscher was able to pull in on the inside and overtake me. Still, I’m happy with silver and I’m looking forward to Sunday.”

The Swiss Championships in XCO are scheduled for Sunday in Crans Montana:

U23 Men:
Luke Wiedmann, start 10:15 a.m.

Elite women:
Alessandra Keller, start 12:00 p.m.

Elite men:
Mathias Flückiger, Vital Albin & Lars Forster, start 2:15 p.m.

The races of the elite categories will be broadcast live on:
www.swiss-sport.tv