Filippo Colombo from Ticino benefits from the 2-minute lead granted to the U19 juniors in the EKZ Cup at the start of the race. It takes a few laps for the elite to substantially close the gap. It was mainly cyclo-cross pro Simon Zahner who set the pace, but when he caught up with the leaders, he was involved in a crash. "It shifted my handlebars. I would have had to stop to straighten the handlebars, but I didn't want to lose that much time," says a grueling Zahner at the finish. With his handlebars askew, Zahner was unable to overtake the fine technician Colombo as the race progressed.

From behind, Joel Koller and later Marcel Bartholetget better and better rides and find shelter in the leading group. It remained exciting until the very end. "On the last descent, I was the first into the downhill and really let it rip," said Colombo, recapitulating the decision. "I got to the last section with a small lead and pulled through," said the Swiss junior champion happily. Behind him, Koller managed to ride a little ahead of Zahner and took second place. This leaves Zahner in third place, while Bartholet has to make do with fourth place.

Koller in world championship form
In the women's race, Swiss champion Nicole Koller is pushing so hard that she disappears from the field pretty quickly. Koller is also the junior favorite for next week's world championships in Norway. "I was able to ride at a good rhythm. That makes me confident for the World Championships," says Koller. Towards the end, Koller even gives some of the men in front of her a run for their money. Behind her, Sonja Guerrini takes second place ahead of Joana Schönthal in third place.

OK President on the podium in the fun category
With 455 participants, the organizer VC Eschenbach once again recorded a strong turnout. As one of them, the head of the organizing committee Markus Bless did not miss the opportunity to take part himself. He even came second in his category. "Thanks to our more than 70 helpers, many of whom have been with us for years and know what needs to be done, I can afford this," winks the sportiest OC boss in the EKZ Cup and adds a big thank you to all the helpers, landowners and sponsors. Many fans gather in the steep forest section, the heart of the course, and cheer the sweating bikers on loudly. This effort is rewarded with an ice cream or other treat from the cozy pub.

TV summary after the race
The six-minute EKZ Cup magazine will now be broadcast on Tuesday evening via YouTube and then on Thursday on Sport Szene Fernsehen SSF at 8.00 pm and 9.05 pm. On Tele Züri on Saturdays and Sundays at 12.30 pm. Video clips and photos will also be available on social media channels from Monday.

The next EKZ Cup will take place on Sunday, September 7 in Hinwil/Girenbad (ZH).

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