Keller is the short track queen of Andorra
Brilliant success for Alessandra Keller from Team Thömus maxon: the Swiss rider celebrates her first victory at the XCC race of the MTB World Cup in Andorra since her ACL-operation in autumn. It’s her fourth victory in five editions of this race.
In a high-class race, Keller battled with the overall leader Evie Richards (GBR) for long stretches. Both eventually pulled away from the field slightly and fought a tactical duel at eye level. On the final lap, Keller unleashed an irresistible attack and distanced Richards by four seconds. Third place went to another Swiss rider, Ronja Blöchlinger.
In touch with the leader despite being behind in training
With this victory, Keller has reduced the gap in the overall XCC standings to 100 points and is now in second place – in a promising position with four races still to go. The fact that this is already possible again just a few months after cruciate ligament surgery shows her class.
Men must hope for Sunday’s race
The men’s race was less fortunate: Mathias Flückiger got off to a flying start and led the field at first. However, the high effort took its toll – Flückiger had to end the race prematurely. “I was extremely motivated, perhaps a little too much. Now it’s time to recover well and attack again in the XCO race on Sunday,” said the Bernese rider after the race.
Vital Albin was already unlucky in the start phase: after a crash in front of him, he was trapped and had to restart the race from the back of the field. With a fighting effort, he worked his way up to 23rd place, showing great morale in the process.