Hittnau, January 2, 2021 – Unlike usual, but no less exciting – the final race of the EKZ CrossTour took place in Hittnau on today’s Berchtoldstag. The Swiss Kevin Kuhn decided the men’s race ahead of Timon Rüegg and Lars Forster and thus secured the overall victory of the tour. Christine Majerus (LUX) prevailed among women. Overall winner was Nicole Koller.
155 drivers from 12 nations took the demanding route around the old Schlossberg in Hittnau under their wheels. Due to the corona, only the three races in the U19, women and men categories were held
Majerus scores – Koller defends overall victory
Christine Majerus from Luxembourg won the women’s race. Almost 25 seconds ahead of second placed Elisabeth Brandau (GER). EKZ CrossTour record holder Eva Lechner (ITA) (7 daily victories 1 overall victory) finished third. After a fall on the last lap, she had to give up her hard-fought second place. The Swiss Nicole Koller finished 5th and was able to secure the overall victory in her category. “I am very happy that it was enough for this win, although I am not entirely satisfied with my performance today,” said Koller after the race. The best U19 junior was Monique Halter from Appenzell (AR). She finished in a strong ninth place.
Daily winner and also overall winner
Kevin Kuhn was extremely satisfied with his performance. The silver medalist of the U23 World Championships fought an exciting top fight with Lars Forster (CH), Timon Rüegg (CH), Loris Roullier (CH) and the Belgian Lander Loockx. “It was a hard-fought race, so I’m really happy that it was enough to win today,” says Kuhn. With today’s podium he also secured the overall ranking of the EKZ CrossTour. Timon Rüegg took second place, closely followed by the reigning Swiss champion Lars Forster. Overall leader Vincent Baestaens (BEL) was unable to compete in Hittnau due to a back injury. And so in the end the winners’ podium in the overall standings was identical to that of the daily standings.
U19 – Last minute exploit
With third place, the Bernese Oberland Nils Aebersold lived up to his role of favorite as the overall winner and secured the trophy. The day’s win went to Finn Treudler from Wiesendang, followed by the Czech Pavel Jindrich. Jindrich led the field right from the start, but Treudler attacked again on the last climb, passed Jindrich and crossed the finish line with a lead of almost 40 seconds.
No spectators but a good atmosphere on the race site
There was no audience on the route this Saturday, but the around 50 helpers from VC Hittnau ensured a good atmosphere. OC President Thomas Frei was also satisfied that they were ready for the Swiss Championships on January 10th. These in turn take place on the castle hill in Hittnau.
While the next cross-bike competition is set, the future of the CrossTour is still uncertain. The long-standing presenting partner EKZ is no longer extending its name-giver and main sponsor contract after seven years. «We are extremely grateful for the enormous commitment and commitment of the EKZ over ten years in Swiss cycling. Without the EKZ, cross-cycling would not have experienced such an upswing in Switzerland, ”says the President of the EKZ CrossTour with conviction. Now it’s time to look for new partners. Although this proves to be difficult, Rocha is confident: “The CrossTour combines popular, young and competitive sport, offers attractive public events and a lot of media presence, so it is an exciting product for partners and sponsors”.
Links:
Leaderboards
Overall ranking
Sponsors & partners
Bilddownload: https://ekz-crosstour.ch/medien/
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