In the starting lap of the elite race, it is Matthias Allenspach who beats the big names in the Buffalo Sprint and takes the prize money. In the first big lap that follows, marathon specialist Konny Looser puts the pressure on and pulls away from the competition. Behind him, Lars Forster and Thomas Kalberer established themselves as stubborn pursuers. "The two suddenly came closer again. I had to counter and create a gap again," says Looser, explaining the situation. "Looser rode out a considerable lead, but on the last lap we suddenly saw him again," says second-placed Thomas Kalberer. Looser's strength was indeed dwindling and so was his concentration. As a result, the leader crashed and allowed his pursuers to get dangerously close. "We got as close as four seconds, but then just missed catching Konny," said third-placed Lars Forster, describing the exciting finish.

The spontaneous trip to the EKZ Cup in Schwändi immediately makes World Cup rider Esther Süss the favorite. As expected, Süss leaves no doubt about her role and pulls through with a start-finish victory. Nicole Koller also put in a strong performance, finishing just under a minute behind the world-class rider. Franziska Ebinger comes third.

Great biking day despite rain and mud
A year ago, the EKZ Cup opener in Schwändi had to be canceled due to heavy snowfall. This year, the event is once again not blessed with the best weather. The youth categories in particular had to take to the course in torrential rain. Something that is unusual on the Glarus sun terrace. "The water hoses to wash the bikes have never been needed before," recalls OC boss Hansruedi Marti. This time, the bad weather completely softens the route and some of the participants are covered in mud beyond recognition.

The bad weather costs the event some registrations. Nevertheless, around 350 participants battled their way through the Glarus mud. "I'm still satisfied. Despite the nasty weather, everything went perfectly again," says Marti, praising the volunteers.The six-minute EKZ Cup magazines will now be broadcast on Sport Szene Fernsehen SSF at 8 pm and 9.05 pm on the Thursday after the races and on Tele Züri on Saturdays and Sundays at 12.30 pm. In addition, from Monday onwards, further
exciting video and photo contributions will be available from Monday.www.ekz-cup.ch