A few days earlier, Nicole Koller rode to the world junior title. Now she stormed off like a rocket right from the start at the EKZ Cup race in the Hinwil district of Girenbad, winning in superior style and doing her title proud. Her ride became an extended medal lap of honor in front of her home crowd. "Mentally, I had no problems stepping on the gas again. It was just that riding two races so close to each other was a bit unusual," explained Koller at the finish. According to her own statement,the audience will be able to cheer on the world champion once again at the last race in Fischenthal. Behind Koller, Joana Schönthal took second place.

Nicole Koller's brother, Joel Koller, will start the men's race in the leader's jersey. He is not quite able to replicate his form from the last few races and rides to tenth place. However, his closest rival, Matthias Allenspach, is unable to take advantage of this situation and Koller remains leader of the EKZ Cup. Only Manuel Boog moves a little closer to the top with his seventh place.

Gujan with a dry start to victory
At the front, Martin Gujan sets the pace right from the start. Only Jürg Graf is able to follow for the time being. It quickly becomes clear that victory will go to the two eastern Swiss riders. "I stepped up the pace again on the second lap. Graf had to let go," says World Cup pro Gujan about the race-deciding situation. "After stepping up the pace, I kept the same distance to Gujan for a long time, but I couldn't get any closer," Graf agreed. Enea Vetsch from the Rhine Valley rode to third place. Marathon specialist Konny Looser, the course director and actual favorite in Hinwil, struggled with his fitness due to the time change from his return home from South Africa and gave up mid-race with heavy legs.

Signer remains leader
In the battle for the women's leader's jersey, Rahel Signer has a black day and rides to fifth place, but still remains the overall leader. Daniela Wäfler uses this to make up a lot of ground in the overall standings with third place. Only six points separate the two before the last two races. So it should be exciting until the final in Fischenthal.

Girenbad ob Hinwil, where the race center is located, lives up to the term sun terrace on this golden autumn day. Some athletes even complain about the hot temperatures on the ascent. After their exertions, many stay in the glorious sunshine and enjoy a delicious, homemade ice cream or a wonderful crêpe from the pubwhile watching the races in other categories. The OC boss of the flawlessly organized event is beaming all over his face. "Beautiful weather and great races, what more could you want," laughs Matthias Winkler and expresses his thanks to the Bachtel-Biker helpers and all the landowners and sponsors.

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 Saturdays and Sundays at 12.30 pm. In addition, video clips and photos will be available from Monday via the social media channels.

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