(google translate)Today the first stage of the World Cup with the new XCE speciality. At the start of many new names on the scene Mountain Bike but in this discipline are carving out their own space. In fact, the big Mountain Bike, namely Schurter, Absalon, Kulhavy etc do not seem to want this discipline which is quite risky for those who then want to partecipate the event XC.
The XCE track is very fast, all on asphalt and cobblestones, with the inclusion of 2 parables spectacular that athletes faced at full speed. At the halfway point there was a stairway down to do some drilling that led to runners who wanted to better positions. The finish also was very fast with a sequence of jumps (not too high) and hoops.
The men's race sees the way the favorites Miha Halzer and Daniel Federspiel, 2nd and 3rd in the last World Championship in Austria behind Naef Ralph, which is for the honor of signing party, but did not risk even in a period of recovery from a broken collarbone suffered 2 months ago. Among the big names at the start XC Thomas Litscher, who seems to like this new format.
In the qualifying heats all the favorites pass the turn with no big surprises. Reached the semi finals is no great battle but the final 4 brings together the best athletes, except for Gegenheimer (German champ) that looked very fit in batteries in the semifinals earlier but do you mock photo finish 2nd place that cost him the final.
In the final Miha Halzer immediately took the lead and seems to be able to create a vacuum since Federspiel, Gagne and Litscher are always a few meters behind. But then the final straight the action of the Slovenian gets heavy and Federspiel the jump before the last corner by increasing the advantage on short final climb. Behind him a Litscher Thomas comeback and finished 2nd ahead Halzer. Fourth place for Canadian Raphael Gagne.
To note the crash by Jenny Rissveds and Neff Jolanda in the semifinals that they are self-eliminated because Neff slipping ahead Rissveds, falling all 2. In the consolation final Rissveds dominates proving that he could be among the protagonists of the final.
Tomorrow at the start Woman Junior and U23 (13:00 UTC +1). At 15:30 (UTC +1) will start U23 Man. Red Bull will not follow this races live.
Results, MAN:
1. Daniel Federspiel
2. Thomas Litscher
3. Miha Halzer
4. Raphael Gagne
5. Pfaffle Christian
6. Wildhaber Marcel
7. Widmer Mirco
8. Gegenheimer Simon
Results, WOMAN:
1. Alexandra Engen
2. Katrin Stirnemann
3. Nadine Rieder
4. Cecile Ravanel
5. Jenny Rissveds
6. Ingrid Sofie Jacobsen
7. Anne Terpstra
8. Jolanda Neff