Forster and Keller Claim Swiss Short Track Titles

Die neuen Elite-Schweizermeister im Short Track, Lars Forster und Alessandra Keller.

Photo: Armin Küstenbrück

Lars Forster and Alessandra Keller are the new Swiss short track champions. The two prevailed in thrilling elite races held as part of the Škoda Swiss Bike Cup in Leysin. In the U23 races, the titles went to the Halter siblings.

The men’s elite race at the Swiss Short Track Championships in Leysin lived up to expectations. A large leading group stayed together until the final lap, when Lars Forster (Thömus Maxon) broke away to take the lead on the final climb. Forster, whose form had not been on the rise recently, surprised everyone and secured the Swiss championship title. Dario Lillo (Giant Factory Off-Road Team) and Vital Albin (Thömus Maxon) rounded out the podium, just one second behind.

“This is a very important victory for me. The last few weeks and races haven’t gone well for me, which makes this title all the sweeter. My race plan worked out perfectly. I was in the lead after the final climb and was then able to push through all the way to the finish,” said Forster.

Keller Decides the Battle on the Final Climb

In the women’s race, Alessandra Keller (Thömus Maxon) once again demonstrated her class. The reigning short-track world champion let Nicole Koller (Lapierre PXR Racing) stay with her for a long time before pulling away decisively on the final climb. Nicole Koller took silver, and Rebekka Estermann secured bronze. “Titles are always something special, especially for us as a Swiss team with Swiss riders. The race was a bit hectic, but I’m glad I was able to come out on top in the end,” said Keller.

The Halter Siblings Triumph in the U23 Division

In the men’s U23 category, Nicolas Halter (Thömus Akros – Youngstars) celebrated a commanding victory. His teammate Loris Hättenschwiler (Thömus Akros – Youngstars) finished second ahead of Leon Fischer (Rose Bikes Schweiz Factory). The title in the women’s race also went to the Halter family: Nicolas’s sister Monique Halter (Thömus Akros – Youngstars) prevailed over Elina Benoit (Lexware Mountainbike Team) and Anina Hutter (NEXETIS).

In the U19 junior category, Marwan Karim Barhoumi (Pédale Bulloise) won the championship title. Andri Steinmann (KA BOOM – Raceteam) and Dario Rohn (Bike Team Solothurn) rounded out the podium. In the junior women’s category, Anja Grossmann (TRINITY Racing) lived up to her status as the favorite and won gold ahead of Shana Huber (RRC Amt) and Joline Hunziker (KA BOOM – Raceteam).

swissbikecup.ch/results