The first of a total of 14 races started at 8.30 am. The U17 Hard class laid the foundation for a successful and exciting day of racing. The winners were Eliane Schenk and Jari Hasler, who were able to collect valuable points for the overall EKZ Cup standings. But it wasn't just the ambitious licensed riders who took to the varied course. As the morning progressed, the starters became younger and younger. Finally, at 1.15 p.m., the youngest riders, the "Pfüderi", lined up at the starting line. With lots of fun and enthusiasm, the girls and boys under the age of seven mastered the circuit, which had been shortened to 800 meters especially for them, with flying colours - to the delight of the numerous spectators and proud parents and siblings.

Wildhaber dominates in the men's race

As expected, the final main race was ridden extremely fast right from the start. It was Marcel Wildhaber who was able to break away from his rivals in the early stages. A trio briefly formed behind him, from which Simon Zahner pulled away a little. At the front, Wildhaber was able to maintain his consistently high pace and keep his pursuers at bay. And so the 34-year-old Wildhaber won.
Zahner was once again visited by Sven Olivetti in the final phase. An exciting duel broke out, which Olivetti won in the end. Veteran Zahner had to settle for third place in the end. "I always tried to push myself. When I saw that the lead was getting a little bigger every lap, it gave me extra motivation," said a delighted Marcel Wildhaber.

Züger rides to second victory

In the women's race, it was Tina Züger who dominated the race right from the start. The 19-year-old racer rode almost unchallenged to victory. Following her triumph in the second round of the EKZ Cup in Wetzikon, this is her second win in a row. Züger's club colleague Alessia Bisig came second. Yvonne Waltert came third.

Happy birthday VCH

This year, there was something special to celebrate above Lake Pfäffikon, where the cross-country cycling race is held in the fall as part of the EKZ CrossTour. VC Hittnau turned no less than 100 years old this year. Just last weekend, the traditional club celebrated its big birthday under the motto 100 x 100. The aim of the campaign was for 100 cyclists to ride 100 kilometers each. Instead of the targeted 10,000 kilometers, 11,900 kilometers were ultimately completed.

It remains exciting

The OC President of the bike race, Raphael Kocher, draws a positive balance of the day. "I am very satisfied with how today's races went. Everything went very smoothly and it was a great event. From four-year-olds to amateur bikers to professionals, everyone had fun today - that's how it should be."

It's half-time in the EKZ Cup. After the three races in Schwändi, Wetzikon and Hittnau, the battle for the coveted EKZ Cup leader jerseys continues on August 25 in Eschenbach. The races in Uster and Egg on September 1 and 8 will conclude the series.

www.ekzcup.ch