"I'm happy with my performance," says Mathias Flückiger after his first race of the new season. The Thömus-RN rider was in the leading group for practically the entire race in Banyoles. "A very tactical race", in which he tries to bring about a decision a little too early on the last lap. Despite his tactics not working out, Mathias Flückiger still manages to finish fifth, around half a minute behind.

Victory goes to Frenchman Victor Koretzky, who had a year to forget in 2017. He wins two seconds ahead of his "KMC EKOI SR SOUNTUR"
team colleague Jordan Sarrou and the Cannondale rider Maxime Marotte.
One Frenchman who would otherwise be expected further up front is Julien Absalon. The record World Cup winner is complaining of a limited lung capacity, which will not take him any further than 26th place.

Lukas Flückiger does not have luck on his side in his first race. With a slight health problem, he had to stop in the tech zone right at the start of the race. This costs him a lot of places, but he still manages to finish 22nd, which is quite respectable given the circumstances and the strong field of riders. Fabian Giger was also still ill at the start of the week, but recovered in time for the race in Banyoles. However, his expectations are then higher than his body's reserves. The Kross rider finishes the race in 32nd place.

Brandau pulls off a surprise, Leumann finishes tenth
The women's race is even more competitive than the men's: Emily Batty, Catharine Pendrel, Helen Grobert, Annie Last, Irina Kalentyeva, Lea Davison and Julie Bresset are the biggest names among the 120 registered riders. However, the top spot on the podium was not taken by one of the top seeds but by Elisabeth Brandau, who had at least been one of the favorites.
The German beat her compatriot Helen Grobert (Cannondale) and the Canadian Catharine Pendrel, who crossed the finish line at the same time as Grobert, by 15 seconds.

Fourth place went to Lenzerheide World Cup winner Annie Last, who is riding for the French team "KMC EKOI SR SOUNTUR" this season. Fifth place goes to Sabrina Enaux from France.
Katrin Leumann has had a good start to the season. She finished tenth in Banyoles, ahead of former world champion Irina Kalentyeva (Möbel Marki MTB Pro Team).

www.copacatalanabtt.com