This has an impact on the start list. Those who are not one hundred percent fit will not start. For example, Thomas Zahnd and possibly Sandro Spaeth, who recently crashed into each other in a race and are still suffering from injuries sustained in the crash. Last year's winner Spaeth, who injured his finger in the process, left it open at the time of writing whether he intends to compete in Mendrisio on Sunday. "The long, sometimes very technical descents are extremely demanding. I'm still not sure whether I want to take the risk of a crash, which could possibly ruin the rest of my season," Spaeth explained. The iXS-classic overall winner from 2003 to 2005 is aiming for victory again this year after finishing third last year. Both Spaeth and Zahnd will certainly be competing in the second iXS-classic race in Estavayer-le-Lac.

Will Thomas Stoll win like in 2006?
So the role of favorite falls to Thomas Stoll, who surprisingly celebrated his first victory as an elite in Ticino two years ago and finished second behind Spaeth last year. Racing for the iXS Pro Team this year, Stoll has a strong team-mate at his side in Lukas Buchli, who is also capable of a top result. Urs Huber, last year's overall iXS-classic winner, will also be a force to be reckoned with. The man from Jon, who finished fifth in Mendrisio last year, enjoys an enviable level of fitness, as demonstrated by his third place in the marathon in Riva del Garda won by Stoll.

In the women's race, iXS-classic title holder Esther Süss will also start from pole position. When asked about her biggest challenger, Süss is somewhat at a loss. Antonia Wipfli is probably the most likely to achieve an exploit, the Aargau native suspects. However, Wipfli is unlikely to be the only top skier. Now that Marielle Saner has buried her Olympic plans, the woman from Solothurn, who lives in Valais, is also switching to the long distance. The super tough course in the Sotoceneri with its numerous challenging descents will certainly suit the reigning Swiss downhill champion. She already proved her talent as a marathon rider last year by winning the Grand Raid - albeit on the short course.

Start with a new route
The route was changed slightly at the start and now rides along a wide asphalt road on the left side of the Valle di Muggio. The first ascent to Cabbio is now more regular. The number of kilometers remains unchanged at 94, but participants are spared 200 meters in altitude, the difference in altitude is now 3500 meters. The new start is already signposted.

For the first time, iXS-classic participants will have the opportunity to take advantage of member offers. Series riders will enjoy a preferred starting position. Anyone who has booked four races by the registration deadline for the Monte Generoso bike marathon on May 20 can start directly behind the licensed riders from the second starting block. Four results are required to be included in the iXS-classic overall standings.

The race data:
June 1, 2008, Mendrisio, Monte Generoso Bikemarathon
June 8, 2008, Estavayer-le-Lac, Elsa Bike Trophy
June 29, 2008, Schleitheim, EKS-Goldenrace
July 20, 2008, Küblis, Swiss Bike Masters
August 17, 2008, Grindelwald, Eiger Bike Challenge
August 30, 2008, Scuol, National Park Bike Marathon
September 28, 2008, Einsiedeln, Iron Bike Race

Source: Press release

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