Highlights: XCO World Cup in Lenzerheide
Rissveds and Martin Claim XCO World Cup Victories in Switzerland
Elite Women
Rissveds Dominates as Blöchlinger Secures Maiden XCO World Cup Podium
Jenny Rissveds showed her class with a controlled solo victory in Lenzerheide. Despite not feeling at her best, the reigning World Champion started with a steady pace, moved to the front early and slowly built a winning advantage. After losing out in a close XCC sprint earlier in the week, Ronja Blöchlinger took an aggressive approach. Backed by the home crowd, the Swiss rider opened a nine-second lead after the start loop. Rissveds remained composed, catching and passing Blöchlinger on the first full lap before pulling clear.
Savilia Blunk was also in the podium fight, along with overall contender Sina Frei. However, a rear-wheel puncture on lap two cost Blunk around 40 seconds and dropped her from third to fifth. Blöchlinger maintained consistent lap times to hold second place, while Blunk produced an impressive comeback, breaking away from the chasers on the final lap to secure third. At the front, Rissveds delivered a flawless ride to take the win. Blöchlinger celebrated her first XCO World Cup podium in second, with Blunk taking third. South Africa’s Candice Lill placed 23rd.
Results
1st. Jenny Rissveds 1:24:24
2nd. Ronja Blöchlinger +58
3rd. Savilia Blunk +1:10
4th. Sina Frei +1:20
5th. Laura Stigger +1:38
Elite Men
Luca Martin Capitalizes on Late Drama to Take the Win
The elite men’s XCO brought a busy week of racing to a dramatic close, with the battle for victory decided on the final lap. Adrien Boichis looked set to challenge for back-to-back World Cup wins after launching a strong attack on the tarmac climb, but washing out on a slick corner he went down and that ended his hopes. That mistake opened the door for Luca Martin, who was applying the pressure and seized the opportunity to move into the lead.
After battling Boichis throughout the eight-lap race, Martin powered through the remainder of the final lap to secure victory by 25 seconds. Bjorn Riley also impressed, delivering a strong performance to claim third place and earn the second elite World Cup podium of his career. South Africans Luke Moir ended P60, Johan van Zyl P72, Michael Foster P80 and Luca Ruwiel P85.
Results
1st. Luca Martin: 1:20:43
2nd. Adrien Boichis +25
3rd. Bjorn Riley +58
4th. Martin Vidaurre Kossmann +1:22
5th. Simone Avondetto +1:29
| IMAGES: UCI |