Christoph Sauser has already won the fast-paced race on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel five times. The former cross-country and three-time marathon world champion is also the big favorite this time. Sauser has concentrated mainly on marathons since last year. However, he still gets his speed from cross-country events. Most recently, the Sigriswil native drew attention to himself at the top BMC Racing Cup in Solothurn with the fastest lap times. A good prerequisite for competing in the hectic Elsa Bike Trophy. However, as with his last starts in Estavayer, the question this year is how the 38-year-old will cope with the double burden. Until the evening before the iXS-classic opener, he will be competing in the "Four Peaks" stage race in Germany.

His toughest opponent will probably be Urs Huber. The man from Aargau is not taking part in the Four Peaks and has already built up a lot of self-confidence with his victories in the bike marathon in Riva and Bad Wildbad. The 28-year-old is gaining the necessary race hardness with regular appearances at cycling criteria on the road. The comparison with the riders of the Wheeler iXS team will be exciting. Hansueli Stauffer surprisingly achieved second place last year after a long solo escape. Konny Looser, Philipp Gerber and Oliver Zurbrügg are three other riders who could support each other.

In the women's race, a duel is emerging between Swiss champion Ariane Kleinhans and Milena Landtwing, who already dominated the race last year. Around 1500 bikers are expected to take part in the Elsa Bike Trophy in Estavayer-le-lac.

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Program Sunday, June 8

12.00 pm	Start long distance, 60 km
12.20 pm	Start middle distance, 30 km
12.50 pm	Start short distance, 20 km
from 14.00	Finish