First elite title for Lars Forster
Lars Forster (Thömus maxon) secured his first national MTB title in the Elite category at the Swiss Short Track Championships (XCC). The two-time European champion won for the third time this season at the start of the Swiss nationals weekend in Echallens (VD), taking the tenth Swiss champion title of his career.
The conditions with rain and muddy ground were perfect for Lars Forster, who had won the silver medals at the XCC-SM last year. The race developed into an elimination race. When only five riders were left for the fight for the title Forster attacked irresistibly.
Forster, who has already been Swiss champion nine times in his career, (eight times in cyclo-cross) was quickly able to open up a gap of ten seconds. The 30-year-old did not let this lead slip away and ultimately won by nine seconds ahead of Marcel Guerrini and defending champion Thomas Litscher.
«First MTB title is hugely gratifying and motivating»
«The difficult and muddy conditions suited me very well, especially in the meadow sections. As the race progressed, I noticed that the others were a little tired. That’s why I attacked from the last position at the highest point with a lot of speed. Because I was immediately able to open up a bigger gap, I went all out. The first Swiss champion’s jersey on the MTB makes me really happy and gives me extra motivation to try everything again on Sunday», said Lars Forster after the race.
Albin rounds off strong team result
Vital Albin also showed a strong race in the mud of Echallens, but was always slightly behind the leaders and repeatedly had to close gaps. In the end, Albin finished in a strong seventh place and rounded off the perfect team result for Thömus maxon.
XCO nationals without Keller and Flückiger
The Swiss XCO Championships are on the program on Sunday. Alongside Forster and Albin (elite), Luke Wiedmann will be competing in the U23 class. Defending champions Alessandra Keller and Mathias Flückiger will be not at the start in favor of a perfect preparation for the Olympics.
Results Swiss nationals XCC Echallens
Swiss nationals MTB XCO, Sunday, July 14, 2023:
U23 men, with Luke Wiedmann: 10:15 am
Elite men, with Lars Forster & Vital Albin: 14:15
The elite race will be broadcast live: