Two Podium Finishes to Start the Season
A strong start to the new season for Thömus maxon: at the C1 race in Albenga, Alessandra Keller and Lars Forster both secured second place. The team’s other riders also rode well in the season’s first form test, contributing to a strong collective performance.
The women’s race on the fast and very rocky course in Albenga started cautiously for Keller. After the long opening climb, she entered the first downhill in sixth position. From there, the Swiss rider steadily worked her way forward – no easy task on the technically demanding course with its many rocky sections.
Keller uses race as Cape Epic test
In the end, Keller secured second place behind Laura Stigger (AUT), while Sofie Pedersen (DEN) finished third. “I’m happy with the race, which I used as an intense training session, and with my current form ahead of my first major goal of the season, the Absa Cape Epic. I’m now flying to South Africa with a good feeling,” Keller said at the finish.
The men’s race developed into an intense and tactical contest from the very start, with a very high pace. Right in the middle of the action were the three riders from Thömus maxon. Lars Forster in particular played an active role, shaping the race from the front for long stretches.
Forster sprints onto the podium
In the final lap, the Swiss rider tried once more to take the lead. However, in the closing sprint he was narrowly beaten and finished second behind Mathis Azzaro (FRA), while Simone Avondetto (ITA) completed the podium in third.
“I felt very good and tried again to take the lead in the final lap. Finishing second in such a strong field is a result I’m very happy with for my first race of the season,” said Forster. Mathias Flückiger also delivered a strong performance, finishing sixth after crossing the line with the leading group. Vital Albin was very active early in the race but paid for his efforts towards the end and eventually finished 13th.
Next races ahead
For the men of Thömus maxon, the next race will be the HC event at Monte Tamaro on 22 March. Alessandra Keller will already line up at the Absa Cape Epic in South Africa from 15 March, where she will compete alongside South African rider Candice Lill.