For Mathias Flückiger, the high-altitude training camp in the Engadine in preparation for the Mountain Bike World Championships at the Pal Arinsal ski and bike resort in Andorra, around 2000 meters above sea level, took an unexpected turn. The 35-year-old from Oberaargau felt severe pain in his lower abdomen, went to hospital and had to undergo an appendectomy last Sunday, as the Thömus-Maxon team wrote in a press release.

The operation went according to plan and Flückiger was able to leave hospital on Tuesday morning. On Wednesday, he completed his first relaxed training session on the road bike. "I had an excellent feeling during preparation and don't want to rule out a start at an early stage. If the healing process continues as planned, I would like to take my chance and start on Sunday. But I certainly won't take any risks; health comes first," says Flückiger.

Association doctor Patrik Noack is already with the Swiss delegation in Andorra. Flückiger, who won the World Cup in Andorra last year, arrives tomorrow Friday. Whether he can compete in the cross-country race on Sunday afternoon will be decided on site.