Frischknecht and Johnston win mud battle in Italy

At the second race of the Internazionali d'Italia Series in Argentario, Tuscany, Emilly Johnston and Andri Frischknecht climb onto the winners' podium. Frischknecht wins ahead of Filippo Fontana and Tobias Steinhart. Johnston wins ahead of Adéla Holubová and Lucia Bramati.

Filippo Fontana (CS Carabinieri Cicli Olympia) took the lead on the very first lap. However, the Italian was slowed down by a puncture on the third lap. Andri Frischknecht (Scott Sram MTB Team) took the lead from then on, and the Swiss rider increased his lead with every lap. He reached the finish more than three minutes ahead of Fontana and more than five minutes ahead of the German Tobias Steinhart (Team Dowe Simplon).

"The race went well. In the first few laps I had some difficulties with the mud sticking to the gears and tires, but when it started to rain the conditions got better and I was able to increase the pace," said Frischknecht, adding: "I know that I've worked well over the winter and this result gives me a lot of confidence for the next races."

Results men

Andri Frischknecht shows his class in the elite race of the Internazionali d'Italia Series in Argentario.

Johnston dominates from the start

Emilly Johnston shows that she is in excellent form and ready for the upcoming World Cup season. The Canadian from the Scott-Sram team only has Nicole Pesse on her heels at the start. However, the Italian suffered a technical problem on the fourth lap, causing her to lose several positions and ultimately finish fifth. Johnston finished her solo race with a lead of 3:39 minutes over Adéla Holubová (CZE, Team Rouvy) and 4:16 minutes over the Italian Lucia Bramati (Trinx Factory Team).

"My strategy for today was to stay in front from the start, as the course was very slippery," explained Johnston. "I was able to keep my pace and it went very well. It was a fun race on a very technical track. I'm very happy that I was able to take the win here."