"This time I wanted the win." Nino Schurter (Scott-Sram) nods. In contrast to most previous short track competitions, the 33-year-old is not primarily focused on an energy-saving riding style. At the start of the last of eight 1.1-kilometer laps, Schurter attacks out of the leading group.
The Brazilian Henrique Avancini goes with him, but he slips away immediately afterwards in a grassy bend and loses the connection. Titouan Carod (BMC Racing) finished second ahead of his compatriot Jordan Sarrou (Absolute Absalon).

Nino Schurter thus completes his seventh overall victory before the final cross-country race on Sunday. This brings him level with Julien Absalon, who has also taken seven overall victories.
When it comes to individual World Cup victories, Schurter is defensive. "No, that doesn't count," he says, shaking his head. He has 32 to his name, while Absalon, who retired last year, has 33. To equal this record, he would also have to win on Sunday. There have been no short track competitions in the World Cup during the Frenchman's career.

Second best Swiss is Lars Forster in tenth place (+0:16). He lost touch with the leading group on the penultimate lap, but can still be satisfied with the second starting row.

The men's short track podium with Titouan Carod, Nino Schurter and Jordan Sarrou. Photo ©Bartek Wolinski / Red Bull Content Pool

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Women: Neff ailing, Forchini in tenth place

Jolanda Neff once again gets off to a brilliant start. But that doesn't help the world championship runner-up much. "Maybe the start was too fast. I just wanted to be first in the meadow. But I didn't expect to fall off like that," explains Neff.

She was relegated to 16th position, losing 53 points to Kate Courtney, who was third on the day.
"I haven't felt good since the World Championships in Mont Sainte Anne," says Jolanda Neff. "I wanted to train on Wednesday and barely managed it." She felt as if she was running a fever. It's possible that her body has been struggling with an infection since the World Championships.
"I'm trying to recover as well as possible until Sunday. I don't know if that's possible in two days," says Neff, somewhat perplexed.

She should certainly be in top shape for the duel with Courtney for overall victory.
Ramona Forchini rides a smart race and stays in the wake of German champion Elisabeth Brandau. She can then pass her in the final lap and take tenth place.
"It's all about the short distance," says Forchini, "Brandau rides like a motorcycle, she's just not as good technically."
Linda Indergand finishes twelfth (+0:46). Sina Frei (+1:21) is only 22nd, which worsens her starting position in the battle for fifth place overall.

The women's short track podium with Pauline Ferrand Prevot, Jenny Rissveds and Kate Courtney. Photo ©Bartek Wolinski / Red Bull Content Pool

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