"In Gränichen, I want to get confirmation of the good winter I had last year," says Alessandra Keller, the best-placed Swiss rider in the world rankings (3rd), defining her goal for the opening race of the CIC Swiss Bike Cup.

Neff, Colombo and Sarrou at the Tamaro Trophy

The second round of the CIC Swiss Bike Cup will take place on Monte Ceneri just one week later. The Tamaro Trophy, which is being held as part of the Swiss Bike Cup for the first time since 2019, promises to be a sporting highlight right from the start of the season. Top riders such as Jolanda Neff (SUI), Jordan Sarrou (FRA) and local hero Filippo Colombo (SUI) will be battling for important world ranking points in Ticino.

"Although my focus is entirely on the first World Cup in Brazil in April, I want to get a good feeling at the two opening races of the CIC Swiss Bike Cup," says Lars Forster (Thömus Maxon) about his strategy at the start of the season. Forster won his second World Cup in Leogang (Austria) in 2023 and could recommend himself for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris in July with further good performances.

However, Lars Forster is not looking that far ahead just yet. First and foremost, a good start to the season is crucial for him, where he wants to "ride right in at the front".

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