Strong performances but no luck in Nové Město XCC
A solid start to the European World Cup season for Thömus maxon in Nové Město na Moravě: In the Short Track (XCC), the team’s riders delivered tactically strong performances and stayed in promising positions throughout most of the races. However, a lack of racing luck prevented top results. Lars Forster finished 11th, narrowly missing the top ten, while Alessandra Keller abandoned the race after a crash.
The fast and technically demanding course in Nové Město led to hectic racing and constant battles for position from the very start. Tactics and positioning proved crucial throughout the event.
Forster narrowly misses the top ten
In the men’s race, the Thömus maxon riders remained attentive and consistently positioned near the front. Lars Forster and Vital Albin in particular impressed with smart race management and strong positioning within the lead group.
Forster stayed in contention for the top positions until the closing stages but lost crucial places following contact with another rider, eventually finishing 11th. Albin delivered a consistent performance to claim 18th place. Mathias Flückiger returned to World Cup action after recovering from illness.
“I had really good legs and managed to position myself well throughout the race. Unfortunately, there was some contact right at the end which cost me a few places. Still, I’m feeling good and ready for tomorrow,” Forster said at the finish.
The race was won by Mathias Azzaro (FRA) ahead of Tom Pidcock (GBR) and Dario Lillo (SUI).
Keller unharmed after crash
In the women’s race, World Champion Alessandra Keller competed in her first World Cup event of the season wearing the rainbow jersey. The Swiss rider delivered a tactically smart race and remained comfortably positioned within the lead group.
Keller matched every acceleration and appeared set for a strong result before contact with another rider on the finishing straight at the end of lap six caused a crash involving several riders. Fortunately, Keller escaped without serious injury but decided not to continue the race.
“I felt really good and was highly motivated. Of course the crash is disappointing, but luckily I only suffered a few abrasions and minor bruises. There’s nothing standing in the way of tomorrow’s race,” Keller explained afterwards.
The women’s race was won by Puck Pieterse (NED) ahead of Laura Stigger (AUT) and Nicole Koller (SUI).