In the third year of the ÖKK Bike Revolution, the largest European mountain bike series made its first stop in western Switzerland. And it was a complete success. Over 900 participants took part in the various races for professionals, amateur athletes and children at the weekend - a new record.

Alessandra Keller, the leader in the Mountain Bike World Cup, was the first to sign the golden book of the ÖKK Bike Revolution Gruyère. The rider from central Switzerland took the lead right from the start and was able to distance herself from her pursuers lap by lap. Even the rain that fell over Gruyère from halfway through the race could not stop Keller. In the end, Keller won by a good minute ahead of Ramona Forchini from Eastern Switzerland and Nicole Koller from Zurich. Jolanda Neff is back in the mountain bike circus. The Olympic champion from Tokyo had to forgo a start in Paris for health reasons. Now she rode to a strong fourth place in Gruyère.

In the elite men's race, the many spectators who lined the course in Gruyère despite the rain witnessed an exciting first half of the race. Latvian Martins Blum and Frenchman Mathis Azzaro tried to keep the Swiss fast train of Mathias Flückiger, Marcel Guerrini, Lars Forster and Dario Lillo under control. But after four of eight laps, Mathias Flückiger from Bern was able to break away from the group. Only Mathis Azzaro remained within striking distance of this season's most successful Swiss rider. While Flückiger celebrated his second win of the season in the ÖKK Bike Revolution, Frenchman Azzaro secured second place ahead of Marcel Guerrini.

The premiere in Gruyère earned plenty of praise from participants and the many visitors. The attractive route around and through the historic old town offered many spectacular spots and created a very good atmosphere.

The ÖKK Bike Revolution continues next weekend. Mountain bike cracks from 20 nations are registered for the big season finale in Huttwil in the canton of Bern. The national mountain bike festival not only offers top-class sport, but also plenty of activities for children and amateur athletes.

Results Elite Men

1. Mathias Flückiger, Leimiswil, Thömus maxon, 1:11.50
2. Mathis Azzaro, France, Decathlon Ford, + 0.17
3. Marcel Guerrini, Ufhusen, BiXS Team, + 0.26
4. Lars Forster, Rieden, Thömus maxon, + 0.42
5. Dario Lillo, Eschenbach, Giant, + 0.54

Results Elite Women

1. Alessandra Keller, Ennetbürgen, Thömus maxon, 1:23:14
2. Ramona Forchini, Wattwil, jb Brunex, + 0.54
3. Nicole Koller, Laupen, Ghost Team, + 1.59
4. Jolanda Neff, Thal, Trek Team, + 2.28
5. Ronja Blöchlinger, Biel, Liv Team, + 3.13

Full rankings

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