Due to the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus, the cyclo-cross festival at Baldegg in Baden was held over two days for the first time. With a limited number of spectators, it was still possible to stage exciting sport. The beautiful weather and dry surface made for very fast races and the athletes also made an important contribution to strong duels.

Brandau ahead of the Swiss women Koller and Göldi

Before the sporting finale of the EKZ CrossTour in Baden kicked off on Sunday afternoon with the men's elite race, German champion Elisabeth Brandau produced a flawless performance in the women's elite race. After establishing herself at the front of the race in the first few laps, she never relinquished this position and celebrated a commanding solo victory on the Baldegg. The Swiss women also delivered a very strong performance. Immediately after the start, it was Nicole Göldi who was right at the front. Although she then lost a few seconds, she still finished the race in a strong third place. Göldi was clearly satisfied with this. The sudden lead at the start of the race came as something of a surprise to her. Nevertheless, she did not hide and tried to make the most of her good starting position. And she did just that with third place. Fortunately, Göldi was not the only Swiss woman on the podium in the end. Nicole Koller, who was able to ride a good rhythm right from the start, finished in second place. The top 6 was completed by Rebecca Gariboldi (Italy), Line Burquier (France) and Sophie de Boer (Netherlands).

Forster provides a premiere

Swiss champion Lars Forster provided a sensational finish in the men's elite race. After a hard-fought race, he secured the first Swiss elite victory in ten years in Baden! Before that, it was mainly Kevin Kuhn who caused a sensation on Sunday afternoon. Last winter he secured the silver medal at the U23 World Championships and now he delivered another exclamation mark at the start of the season. He took the lead with a lightning start. After merging at the halfway point of the race, a thrilling battle ensued at the front. In the leading roles were the Belgian Vincent Baestaens and the Swiss Lars Forster, Kevin Kuhn, Lukas Flückiger, Timon Rüegg and Loris Rouiller. In the end, it was Forster who launched the decisive attack shortly before the last lap and rode to victory in commanding style. In doing so, he secured the first Swiss victory in the men's elite race at the tenth anniversary of the race on the Baldegg in Baden. It was Forster's second victory in Baden within a year. In January, the Swiss Championships were already held in Baden, which he won. Behind Forster, Belgium's Baestaens secured second place in the sprint, with Kevin Kuhn in third. Lukas Flückiger, Timon Rüegg and Loris Rouillier ensured further Swiss presence in the top 6.

Packed junior races

The races in the U17 and U19 junior races were also thrilling right to the end. Frenchman Baptiste Gregoire was victorious in the U17 men's race after coming out on top ahead of Nicolas Halter and Alexandre Binggeli. The U19 race featured a top-class international field. However, the Swiss were by no means intimidated by this and were among the front runners right from the start. Three Swiss riders - Jan Christen, Finn Treudler and Nils Aebersold - were in the leading group by the halfway point of the race. When the Belgian Aaron Dockx stepped up the pace towards the end, it was only Christen who was able to follow him. The Belgian ultimately retained the upper hand in the final sprint and relegated Jan Christen to second place. Finn Treudler finished the race in third place and Nils Aebersold came a strong fifth.

Successful start to the season in Baden

For OC President Christian Rocha, the anniversary event on the Baldegg was a great success. "We had great weather and incredibly exciting races." Despite the difficult circumstances and the associated uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus, the organizers always believed that the event would be a success. "We wanted to make the event possible in the spirit of the sport and for the athletes. And they have now thanked us with great sport," says Rocha after the races. A sporting event outside in the fresh air is also feasible in the current times and he hopes that other organizers will follow suit, the OC President continued.

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