Short thing to start with

The start of the World Cup weekend in Nove Mesto na Morave in the Czech Republic
will once again be the short track races. The women's race kicks off at 18:00, and the predictions are similar to the Albstadt rankings: Kate Courtney, Jolanda Neff, Kathrin Stirnemann, Linda Indergand and Annika Langvad are likely to decide the victory among themselves.

The men start at 18:45, and Mathieu Van der Poel is the top favorite. However, there are many more riders who could be among the front runners. In addition to Nino Schurter, Maxime Marotte and Henrique Avancini, Anton Cooper, Viktor Koretzky and Mathias Flückiger are also considered candidates for the top places. You should also keep an eye on Alan Hatherly. The young South African was among the best in the short track in Albstadt, so he is also likely to achieve a good result in the Czech Republic.

Tactical races on the technical course

The cross-country World Cup race in Nove Mesto is undoubtedly one of the most popular among the riders. With its countless roots, the course is very pristine and only has a few sections that have been added later, such as jumps or rock gardens. The good technicians have an advantage here, but only to a limited extent. Because there are hardly any bad technicians left in the men's field. But details can be decisive when riding at the limit.

The Swiss women in particular can be expected to achieve one or two top 10 finishes. After all, Sina Frei came very close in Albstadt and neither did Ramona Forchini. Linda Indergand did not get up to speed in Germany as desired, but that could also change for her in the Czech Republic. Jolanda Neff, on the other hand, can be expected to finish on the podium under normal circumstances. However, this time she is likely to come under more pressure from the resurgent Yana Belomoina and her team colleague Anne Tauber, which will make the race more exciting.

Annika Langvad, on the other hand, is still an open book but should never be ignored. Kate Courtney stands out as the clear favorite. She had such dominant performances in short track and cross country in Albstadt that she has the best maps to win again in Nove Mesto. The women's race kicks off at 10.20 am.

"MVP" with first victory?

The weather forecast suits Nino Schurter better than cold rainy weather and the course is also in the world champion's favor. And he believes he is in good form, so a podium finish is possible again. However, the hottest candidates for victory are Mathieu Van der Poel and Mathias Flückiger. The latter is in impressive form and so is the multi-talented cyclist from Holland. His first World Cup victory in cross country is possible this Sunday.

The race in Nove Mesto starts at 13:35 and is likely to be a whole lot more exciting than in Albstadt. Because even if the course is more demanding, the conditions are no longer extreme and tactics will be more decisive for the men. However, two podium places are conceivable for the Swiss, as are five top 10 places as in Albstadt. With Reto Indergand, Andri Frischknecht and Thomas Litscher, three riders have the form to do so.

Lars Forster should also have been counted as a hot candidate for the podium. But the European champion has to cure his periosteal bruises from Albstadt. However, he has announced that he is well on his way back and is confident for the Swiss Championships on June 2nd.

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