New year, new challenges. Strong performances at the Swiss National Cyclo-Cross championship in Hittnau by Lars Forster winning the silver medal and Andri Frischknecht taking home 5th place.
Hittnau, Switzerland. It wasn’t quite business as usual at this year’s Swiss Cyclo-Cross nationals. The typical roaring crowd of spectators along the race track to cheer the athletes was instead a hollow silence. Only the sound of carbon wheels hitting the frozen ground provided a surreal soundscape. Spectators weren’t allowed due to COVID-19 safety restrictions. However, thanks to the amazing EKZ- Cross Tour organizer, the athletes already have two spectacular races in the books for the 2021 season – here we go!
The first race on January 2nd was held in muddy and slippery conditions. Lars finished 3rd behind Kevin Kuhn and Timo Rüegg. Andri came in 8th. Eight days later at nationals, the track was covered with snow. Thanks to six below zero freezing temperatures, the ruts from the prior race were frozen solid making the already technical terrain extremely difficult to ride. .
Right from the start it was obvious, Lars Forster wanted to defend his title badly. He set a very high pace which only Kevin Kuhn and Timi Rüegg, the other two favorites, and his teammate Andri Frischknecht were able to follow. Halfway through the race, the fight for gold was an affair between Forster and Kuhn. Unfortunately, a crash for Lars resulting in a broken wheel changed the thrilling battle completely.
Lars had to pay tribute to the challenging conditions, which he struggled to overcome. His goal to defend his champion title slipped out of reach. But the last two laps he showed the Kuhn he was finding his race mode again. Not only did he pass Timo Rüegg moving up into second place, he also closed the gap to Kevin Kuhn by cutting his lead in half. However, it was too late. The U23 World Champion runner up, Kevin Kuhn, who was part of the SCOTT Development Team until last season and rode to his well deserved national title in his first Elite appearance.
Bottom: Second place behind his former training buddy, Kevin Kuhn.
Lars Forster
2016 & 2018 Swiss Cyclo-Cross Champion
SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing
Andri Frischknecht had a strong and steady race battling for 4th place with Lukas Flückiger, older brother to Matthias Flückiger. In the end, experience beat out youth as former national champion, Lukas Flückiger had the stronger finish leaving Andri in 5th.
Imagery: EGO Promotion
Until the mountain bike season kicks off in March, SCOTT-SRAM athletes will be in several different training camps. Due to travel restrictions, it’s challenging to have everybody at the same place at the same time. Lars Forster and Andri Frischknecht will join the Swiss Cycling National team in Gran Canaria over the next two weeks.
From SCOTT-SRAM, we like to take the opportunity to thank all our sponsors, supporters, and fans. Especially during these difficult times, we have to stick together.
THE WORLD HAS CHANGED- BUT OUR DREAMS REMAIN THE SAME! We wish all of you the very best for 2021. Stay healthy and #keepthepassion
The Bikes
When it’s CX season, Lars and Andri switch to their SCOTT CX weapon of choice: The Addict CX RC in a custom team setup. This bike is just yearning to get to that cold, muddy start line. Stiffer than its predecessor, added vertical compliance for more comfort, disc brakes, front and rear thru-axle and a slew of cleverly designed CX details, this rig will be with you every step of the way as you crush cross event after cross event.
For more info on SCOTT’s Addict CX RC in-line model, follow up below.
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