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LENZERHEIDE, SWITZERLAND

Jun 22, 2026 | News | 0 comments

Round 4 – UCI MTB WORLD CUP

LENZERHEIDE, SWITZERLAND

For round four of the UCI MTB World Series, the team returned to their home race. With huge crowds, an incredible atmosphere, a stunning venue, support from family and friends, and a course they all love, it created the perfect backdrop for an exciting weekend of racing.

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SHORT TRACK (XCC)

Adding to the excitement of the home race, all three Scott-SRAM riders lined up on the front row for the men’s XCC, and the racing did not disappoint.

“We have three guys [starting] in the front row, we have never had this before”
THOMAS FRISCHKNECHT

All three riders stayed in the front group for the majority of the race, with Bjorn delivering the standout performance. He secured an impressive third-place finish, backing up his previous World Cup result with his first-ever Elite XCC World Cup podium.
Filippo delivered a strong performance, crossing the line in 7th and securing a valuable front-row start for the XCO. Fabio also rode a smart race, maintaining a strong position at the front of the group throughout and finishing just outside the top ten in 11th.

“For me it was one of the best short tracks for positioning”
Fabio Püntener

In the women’s race, Emily got off to a strong start, working her way through the field and moving up the order. She lost a few positions at the end of the race, and managed to finish in 27th.

“I think maybe my second half [of the race] is not quite there yet”
Emilly Johnston

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CROSS COUNTRY (XCO)

Sunday’s XCO was hot and dusty. Fans were loud, and many banners featuring the Swiss athletes‘ names and faces could be spotted out on the track.

In the men’s race, Bjorn, Fabio, and Filippo were part of the leading group for the first few laps before the race started to break apart. As the pace picked up, Bjorn found himself riding in third position and focused on staying calm, riding his own race, and holding onto his rhythm. He was able to manage the pressure and finished with another third place, making it his third podium in a row and moving himself up to fifth in the overall standings.

“I noticed that if I just did my thing and focused on pedalling and following a good rhythm, I could keep the gap open.”
Bjorn Riley

Filippo stayed close to the front, but struggled on the climbs. He fought hard and focused on making the most of the technical descents to remain inside the top 10.

“It was super nice to have family and friends here.”
Filippo Colombo

Fabio felt good at the start of the race and moved up in the field, but couldn’t hold the speed and slipped back in the field. Despite this, he still deliver a strong performance, finishing in 15th.

“At the end I could not hold the pace”
Fabio Püntener

Starting further back in the field, Andri had to fight his way through the dust and the traffic of other riders. He was feeling strong in the middle of the race and pushed hard, but maybe went a little too deep and had to manage his pace more carefully in the following laps. He stayed focused and kept fighting all the way to the finish.

“Overall, I am quite happy, I paced well”
ANDRI FRISCHKNECHT

In the women’s race, Emilly executed her race plan well and was riding a strong race until an unfortunate flat tyre with four laps to go set her back. She was able to refocus and keep pushing, but the mechanical cost her valuable time and affected her final result.

“Made it to the tech zone and tried my best to refocus. I kept charging, but it was another unlucky day on the bike”
Emilly Johnston

XCC RESULTS

3rd Björn Riley

7th Filippo Colombo

11th Fabio Püntener

27th Emilly Johnston

XCO RESULTS

3rd Björn Riley

8th Filippo Colombo

15th Fabio Püntener

41st Andri Frischknecht

40th Emilly Johnston

It was a great weekend of racing at home, with the team enjoying the atmosphere, the support from the fans, and the excitement of competing on familiar trails. The riders delivered strong performances, with two podium finishes and ranking second overall in the team classification.

In two weeks, the team will be back in action as they head to La Thuile, Italy, for a new challenge at a new venue, ready to take on another weekend of racing.

Photos by Piper Albrecht