The fact that the World Championships are taking place in Switzerland is clearly evident from the strong international field of participants. Many starters from South and North America or Oceania are taking the opportunity at the Schänzli to complete another race test. Even in the absence of Nino Schurter and the newly crowned European champion Lars Forster, the Swiss demonstrated impressively that they are a force to be reckoned with. On the fast circuit, a group of five formed on the second big lap, from which Martin Gluth (GER) dropped back one lap later.

The remaining four riders, Andri Frischknecht, Matthias Stirnemann, Lukas Flückiger and Thomas Litscher, are unable to bring about a preliminary decision on the remaining laps. So it comes down to a sprint, in which Thomas Litscher has the best legs. Just under a second behind, Lukas Flückiger and Andri Frischknecht set off for the tiger jump, with the better end for Flückiger.
The remaining podium places four and five went to Matthias Stirnemann and Martin Fanger.

Thomas Litscher in a class of his own in the sprint. Photo ©Flurin Leugger

Tears of farewell for Katrin Leumann

In the women's race, a leading group of seven went into the fourth big lap. Erin Huck (USA) made the decisive attack two laps before the end. Her lead grew only hesitantly on the fast course. Nevertheless, it was enough for her to cross the finish line first, just under twelve seconds ahead of Gunn Rita Dahle-Flesjaa (NOR) and 15 seconds ahead of her compatriot Chloe Woodruff.

The latter snatched third place in the sprint against Belgium's Githa Michiels. Kathrin Stirnemann forfeits her breakaway attempt in the fifth lap, but still finishes a good fifth and thus best Swiss rider.

One of the best Swiss riders in recent years was Katrin Leumann. After 15 years at the top of the world, she gives her farewell performance at her home race on the Schänzli. Before the actual start of the seventh Swiss Cup race, Leumann takes a lap of honor on her first racing bike, one last time with her colleagues from the international racing scene. With this attention, emotions are not far away.

Erin Huck completes her two solo laps with victory. Photo ©Flurin Leugger

Final in Lugano

With 656 starters - some athletes withdrew at the last minute due to the World Championships despite announcing their participation - the Bike Festival Basel is a successful event with exciting races. The last stage of the "Proffix Swiss Bike Cup" will take place on September 22 and 23 in Lugano/Carona. It will be the grand finale in the battle for the overall standings in many categories - excitement is guaranteed.

All results for the PROFFIX Swiss Bike Cup

www.swissbikecup.ch