Strong Alessandra Keller on the podium
In the HC race of the Tamaro Trophy as part of the CIC Swiss Bike Cup, Alessandra Keller rode to a strong 3rd place in a world-class field. While Keller defended her lead in the overall standings, Vital Albin took the lead in the men’s overall standings.
It was as if the World Cup had started a few weeks too early on Monte Ceneri in the south of Switzerland – with very strong the fields in the elite categories. In the women’s race, world champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot put in a superior performance and won by a large margin. Alessandra Keller was always in the chasing group and ultimately finished in a strong third place – behind Ferrand-Prévot and Jolanda Neff.
Keller: “Should have ridden my own pace earlier”
“It was a very high level race today. Pauline was in a class of her own. Behind her we had a tactical race and I should have ridden my own pace earlier. But I’m happy with my podium finish and the schedule for the start of the World Cup is right,” the 28-year-old Swiss champion summed up after the race.
Albin new leader
Vital Albin got off to a strong start in the men’s race and lined up directly behind the leading group. However, just as a large group was forming at the front, Albin had to make a stop in the tech zone. As a result, he lost the connection and also his chances of a top position. Small consolation: After finishing 2nd in Gränichen, Albin took the overall lead in the CIC Swiss Bike Cup with his 14th place.
While Albin dropped back during the race, Luke Wiedmann put in an extremely strong and consistent performance in the elite field. The U23 rider rode to a strong 10th place and thus gained a lot of self-confidence.
Forster with training crash, Flückiger on the road
Lars Forster was unable to start on Sunday due to a training crash on Saturday and a cut on his shin. Meanwhile, Mathias Flückiger took part in a five-day road race in Portugal this week, putting the finishing touches to his training ahead of the World Cup start in April.