Jubilant and accompanied by a deafening roar from the numerous fans, Filippo Colombo from Ticino celebrated a big win at the premiere of the ÖKK BIKE REVOLUTION. But before Colombo was allowed to enjoy a dip in the crowd and hand out autographs to the kids, he had to prevail in a tough fight against the Frenchman Titouan Carod and the world number 1, Mathias Flückiger from Bern. The course in Rivera is considered one of the most spectacular in Switzerland. The abundance of dust (the last time it rained in Rivera was in December) offered almost diabolical images. Colombo was in the leading group right from the start. On lap 4 of 7, Mathias Flückiger from Bern took the lead after an initial chase. But Colombo countered just one lap later and immediately attacked - and got away decisively. Behind him, Frenchman Carod and Flückiger battled for second place, with Carod coming out on top.

Loana Lecomte dominates in Rivera

The elite women's race saw a top-class competition between world champion Evie Richards (GBR), overall World Cup winner Loana Lecomte, Olympic silver medalist Sina Frei, Olympic bronze medalist Linda Indergand, runner-up world champion Anne Terpstra (NED) and 2018 U23 world champion Alessandra Keller. The young Frenchwoman Loana Lecomte quickly put her stamp on the race and rode to an ultimately unchallenged start-finish victory. Behind the dominant Frenchwoman, Dutchwoman Anne Terpstra, the current runner-up in the world championships, was able to prevail against Switzerland's Linda Indergand.

Successful start for Velo Gusto

In addition to top-class sport, the ÖKK BIKE REVOLUTION also focuses on popular sport. The focus here is on races for children and the cycling experience for hobby bikers. This adventure tour in particular, the "Velo Gusto Tours", was very well received. Here, mountain biking is combined with enjoyment. In addition to a beautiful route with many flowing single trails, there was a refreshment station in Rivera with coffee, risotto, barley soup, chocolate and even a glass of wine at the end. The feedback from the participants was very good. A new format has been successfully launched. A total of 10,000 spectators followed the races of over 850 bikers in Rivera.

The ÖKK BIKE REVOLUTION continues on April 22-24 in Chur. At the home race of mountain bike world champion and co-initiator Nino Schurter, participants can expect a spectacular city race. The start and finish area is in Chur's old town.

Ranking elite women
1st Loana Lecomte, FRA, + 1:31.33
2nd Anne Terpstra, NED, + 2.26
3rd Linda Indergand, SUI, + 2.54
4th Alessandra Keller, SUI, + 3.36
5th Sina Frei, SUI, + 4.13
6th Nicole Koller, SUI, + 4.56
7th Line Burquier, FRA, + 5.55
8th Hattie Harnden, GBR, + 6.54
9th Ronja Blöchlinger, SUI, + 7.11
10th Martina Berta, ITA, + 7.18

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