Ahead of the season opener, the focus is on Jenny Rissveds and the reigning overall champion Evie Richards, who want to continue their duel from last year. But the Swede never makes a decisive impact on the race. Richards proves to be Frei’s biggest challenger, but ultimately has to settle for second place, while Martina Berta finishes third.

In the Elite Men’s race, Mathis Azzaro is among the strongest riders in the second half of the race. He uses his energy wisely, initially letting Filippo Colombo and Finn Treudler do the lead work, and then launches the decisive attack on the final lap. Simone Avondetto and Dario Lillo round out the podium, both also putting in a tactically strong race.

Before the elite races, the U23 competitions are on the schedule on the grueling course designed by MONA YongPyong. Both the men’s and women’s races see debut winners: Spanish champion Thibaut Francois Baudry narrowly prevails in the men’s race, while Makena Kellerman wins the women’s race with a solo breakaway and a seven-second lead.

Results