Three Top-Ten Finishes and a Podium for Halter
Thömus maxon produced a strong team performance in the Short Track in Les Gets: Mathias Flückiger and Vital Albin finished sixth and seventh respectively, while Alessandra Keller also took sixth place. Monique Halter added another highlight on her debut in the team colours, finishing second in the U23 race.
On a track that had dried considerably after the rain earlier in the day, the men’s race developed into a fast and tactical contest with numerous changes at the front. Mathias Flückiger once again demonstrated his strong current form and remained in the leading group throughout the race. Finishing sixth and as the best Swiss rider, he recorded his strongest Short Track result for some time.
“I’m very happy with my race. I was able to move into a good position early on and had very good legs throughout. I’m very pleased with my performance and looking forward to Sunday,” said a visibly emotional Mathias Flückiger at the finish.
Flückiger and Albin impress
Vital Albin also delivered a consistent XCC performance. The Swiss rider gradually worked his way towards the front and eventually crossed the finish line immediately behind his team-mate in seventh place.
Adrien Boichis (FRA) took the victory ahead of Luca Martin (FRA) and David List (GER).
Keller secures front-row starting position
In the women’s race, Alessandra Keller was unable to quite match the pace at the front on the partially slippery course. The World Champion finished sixth, securing a front-row starting position for Sunday’s Cross-Country race.
“I never quite found my rhythm today. With sixth place and a front-row start for Sunday, I made the most of a day that wasn’t perfect,” said Keller at the finish.
Sina Frei (SUI) won the women’s race ahead of Jenny Rissveds (SWE) and Savilia Blunk (USA).
Perfect debut for Monique Halter
Monique Halter provided another highlight on her first appearance for Thömus maxon. The 22-year-old Swiss rider finished second in the U23 women’s race, making a highly successful debut in the new team colours.
Lars Forster was unable to fully demonstrate his potential on the day and finished in 30th place.