Linda Indergand (Liv Cycling) and Aline Seitz (RC Gränichen) fought a thrilling duel at the 44th GP Osterhas, which was part of the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup for the first time. Track specialist Seitz led by two points before the last of the 50 laps ahead of Indergand, who had to win the decisive final sprint. However, the 28-year-old Seitz crossed the finish line first and won with 57 points ahead of the mountain bike World Cup riders Indergand (51 points) and Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxus, 29 points). "It was a very intense race. I concentrated on the big points scores, which worked out well for me," said Seitz after the podium ceremony. "My experience on the track certainly helped me." 

Indergand was also satisfied with her performance. "It was fun to ride against such good opponents. I wanted to win the final sprint, but Aline had the better legs."

In the junior women's field (U17-U19), Shana Huber (RRC Amt) won with 19 points ahead of Selina Witzig (VC Diessenhofen, 3 points) and Camilla Fumagalli (Free Time Women Team, 1 point).

Rapps dominates the elite race

Dario Rapps (RSC Auto Brosch Kempten) dominated the elite men's criterium. The German pulled away from the field after a third of the 100 laps. Only Aaron Imhof (Spar CTO Men) and Leandro Schleuniger (RC Gränichen), both competing in the U23 category, were able to keep up with Rapps. The German's triumph was clear early on. The elite podium was completed by the Germans Jonas Schmeiser (RSC Auto Brosch Kempten, 45 points) and Jan Münzer (Team Storck, 37 points). Imhof (86 points) decided the U23 classification ahead of Schleuniger (58 points) and Alessio Bragagna (Spar CTO Men, 14 points).

Rinner defeats Douté

An exciting decision field in the men's U19 race. Jonathan Rinner (VC Lugano) and Gaspard Douté (La Steigeoise, FR) finished level on points. In a dramatic final sprint, Rinner ultimately came out just ahead. Marco Weilenmann (VC Brüttisellen) completed the podium. The U17 criterium was won by Marwan Karim Barhoumi (Pédale Bulloise) ahead of Yanis Berthoud (Humard VP) and Nick Ulrich (Trek Manna SG Rheinfelden).

Lina Huber (RRC Amt) recorded a notable success in the mixed U15 category race. She finished a strong third behind Diego Imhof (Road Cycling Academy) and Nick Altstätter (RV Ehrendingen).

Results

Next stop Schaan (FL)

On the weekend of May 10-11, the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup will make a stop in the Principality of Liechtenstein. The route in the Duxwald forest in Schaan is characterized by a particularly high proportion of challenging root passages and offers a varied terrain for exciting mountain bike races.

www.swissbikecup.ch