Gränichen for the fourth time

For the fourth time, the Swiss cross-country championship titles will be awarded in Gränichen. Since it was first held in 2000, the iconic course has wound its way around and through the gravel pit on the edge of the village. It is one of the most popular race courses in Switzerland and offers participants fun and challenges in equal measure. In short, a worthy track on which some riders want to have a say for the win.

When two "fight"

After the first two World Cup races, we can certainly expect a heated duel between defending champion Mathias Flückiger and world champion Nino Schurter. But Florian Vogel, who grew up in the sport at RC Gränichen and won his first Swiss championship title here in 2000, is also likely to want to get in the way of the two top favorites. After all, everyone knows the saying: when two fight, the third is happy.

Reto Indergand and Andri Frischknecht are also in very good form. The two World Cup top 10 riders should by no means be underestimated. At home, the resurgent Matthias Stirnemann ensured good results. The local hero is therefore one of the extended favorites on Sunday.
Thomas Litscher is in good form, but does not yet seem to be in top shape. Nevertheless, he is always good for a surprise.

And Lars Forster? The reigning European champion crashed heavily several times in Albstadt and had to skip the World Cup in Nove Mesto. In Gränichen, he returns to the racing action - motivated but with no expectations of a specific result. His motto is to stay on the bike, so everything is open at the top.

Neff without Frei

Sina Frei finished on the elite podium for the first time as an U23 rider in Nove Mesto and was immediately the best Swiss rider. However, she will not be able to compete with Jolanda Neff in Gränichen, as Frei has to ride for the U23 title. Nevertheless, Jolanda Neff will not have a clear path. The reigning European champion has a strong opponent in Linda Indergand and local Kathrin Stirnemann will not be backing down on her home course either.

Ramona Forchini is one of the strongest Swiss women and she is also one of the extended favorites in Gränichen.
Although she is on the start list, she will not be riding for the title on Sunday. After breaking her arm in Solothurn, Alessandra Keller is not yet fit for action. She currently has to make do with monotonous roller training.

Clear favorites among the U23s - clear trend among the juniors

As mentioned above, Sina Frei is competing in the U23 category and if everything goes to plan, she will be a strong contender for the title. Nicole Koller, on the other hand, can start without pressure and will try to make Frei's plans more difficult. Another medal contender is Lara Kupferschmied.

In the men's race, Filippo Colombo will be the defending U23 champion and the top favorite. But Joel Roth will also try to make the most of his home advantage. After that, many contenders will be vying for the final medal place.

For the junior race, the trend is pointing towards Janis Baumann. However, Luke Wiedmann and Kedup Gyagang have also shown strong performances this season, which is why they should not be disregarded.

Jacqueline Schneebeli and Ronja Blöchlinger will probably fight it out for the junior title.

Elite on TV - also in downhill

The races in the elite categories will be broadcast live on the MySports One channel. The women's title race will be broadcast at 11.50 am, followed by the men's race at 1.50 pm.

At practically the same time, live pictures of the Downhill World Cup in Fort William will be flickering across the screens on MySports 4. So the spectacular downhill races in Scotland can be enjoyed not only on Red Bull TV.

Second World Cup for downhill skiers

After the opener in Maribor, the well-known descent on Aonach Mor near Fort William will be the second stop in the Downhill World Cup. The course is the longest in the World Cup and is often regarded as "survival of the fittest". One of these was undoubtedly the South African Greg Minnaar, who won the race the most. However, his start to the season was anything but desirable - he even missed out on the final in Maribor - and so it remains to be seen what the most successful downhill athlete will conjure up from his helmet this time.

You don't have to be a clairvoyant to predict another top result for world champion Loic Bruni. But a clear favorite cannot be named here. There are too many riders who have what it takes to win. To name names anyway, apart from Bruni, Amaury Pierron, Danny Hart, Aaron Gwin and Troy Brosnan have the best chances.

In the women's race, on the other hand, it comes down to a duel between Tahnee Seagrave and Rachel Atherton.


Several top 30 results are possible for the Swiss men. Lutz Weber showed in Maribor with his 14th place in the qualification that such a result is possible. Basil Weber and Swiss champion Noel Niederberger can achieve this with a strong run, as can wonder bag Jérôme Caroli.


For the women, we predict three places between fifth and tenth. Emilie Siegenthaler, Swiss champion Carina Cappellari, European champion Camille Balanche and Janine Hübscher have what it takes. We believe that up to six Swiss women have the potential to qualify for the main top 15 race.

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