It was cold and wet at the Buechholz riding facility, gusts of wind tugged at the advertising banners, support staff and helpers pulled hats and hoods over their heads. The mountain bikers at the start line were shivering. But as soon as the starting signal sounded, they started pedaling as if the autumn cold was the ideal preparation for a race. On the course, the EKZ Cup in Uster offered the usual picture, behind the barrier tape it looked a little different. Corona regulations require that no more than 300 people meet. This meant that no spectators were allowed in the start-finish area. Only one supervisor per participant was granted access.

Mountain bike racing again at last!

The audience was therefore mainly spread out along the route outside the event site. The forest next to the equestrian center also provided better protection from the wind and rain. Just how good the young bikers' riding skills are was demonstrated in the areas where the ground was slippery and they had to weave their way between trees and fellow athletes. The children mastered the technical passages with a concentrated look on their faces and then burst out laughing at the finish - with a few exceptions, who first needed comforting from mom or dad. Friends Aline and Lina, both in the U11 category, were beaming with joy. "It was cool to ride a mountain bike race again. We have missed it." Jaron, also in the eleven-year-old category, didn't let the cold spoil his mood: "My feet were freezing before the start, but as soon as I got going, everything was fine. The course was a bit slippery, but I like that."
The area was emptied every two to three hours to let in those who would start in the next categories. "This was the only way we could keep to the limit of 300 people present at the same time," explains OC President Christian Knoll. The large number of participants did not make the task any easier. The head of the OC was prepared for difficult situations, "but everything simply worked out perfectly", he marveled afterwards. He was even more pleased that they set a new record with 443 pre-registrations in the coronavirus year of all years. "The need to ride races is obviously there," concluded Knoll.

Youth dominates the elite

Every EKZ Cup concludes with the elite race, which also included the U23 category. Fabian Giger, a professional who has his sights set on two World Cups on the coming weekends, followed by the World Championships and the European Championships, had unexpectedly signed up. However, the pace was set by U23 rider Andrin Gees, who broke away, was caught again, managed to break away again and ultimately won "I rode really well today. On the descents, I was always able to gain a few seconds on Fabian Giger, and on the last lap I got away decisively." Fabian Giger took it in his stride. "The course is good, technically demanding, especially with the rain. I need a bit more recovery for the international races, but I'm happy today, it was cool." Ramon Lauener took third place, while Konny Looser had to settle for fourth place.

A young Frenchwoman, who hardly anyone knew but who is the junior national cyclocross champion, was on the women's start line. Line Burquier has obviously also mastered the mountain bike. She pulled away from the start and rode her laps between the men in the other categories. "The fast course suited me and the race fitted well into my calendar. I had no idea how strong the others would be and just rode at my own pace." Vera Looser and Rebekka Estermann finished behind Burquier.
The second and final EKZ Cup of the 2020 season will take place next weekend in Wetzikon. The organizers have proven that bike races are possible during this time.www.ekzcup.ch