During the first day of the CE Off-Road in Annecy (FRA), the Swiss team was able to celebrate five medals in uphill. Among the U20s, Matthieu Bührer won gold ahead of Loïc Berger, allowing the national team to win the European team title. In elite competition, the Swiss men’s team won silver, the women’s team bronze.
In the elite men’s race over 7.6 km, Roberto Delorenzi (USC Capriaschese) was in the fight for medals for a long time before being relegated to 4th position, 18 seconds from bronze. The delegation nevertheless had reason to rejoice: the men won team silver. Behind Delorenzi, Jonathan Schmid (TV Unterseen/8th), Jonas Soldini (CA Rosé, 9th) and Candide Pralong (CABV Martigny, 11th) all finished among the best riders on the continent.
Among the women, it was Judith Wyder (STB/6th) who was the best Swiss. A new very good international ranking for her. The five-time European champion Maude Mathys (CA Riviera) did not have a good day. She had to settle for 17th place. By team, Wyder and Mathys matched with Selina Burch (LA Nidwalden, 11th) and Céline Aebi (LV Langenthal, 32nd) finished in bronze.
Matthieu Bührer wins the U20 title ahead of Loïc Berger
The first EC event, the men’s U20 race, was perfect for Switzerland. On the 5.6 km long course, Matthieu Bührer (CA Fribourg) and Loïc Berger (CEP Cortaillod) achieved a magnificent double. The Fribourgeois finished 21 seconds ahead of his compatriot. After the bronze at last year’s WC in Innsbruck-Stubai (AUT), Bührer can rejoice in his already second international medal.
As a team, Fiorillo Camesi (USC Capriaschese/5th) and Lars Oeschger (BTV Aarau/12th) together with Bührer and Berger won the title of European champion. In the U20 women, it was Aina Scherling (TV Meiringen/15th) who was the best Swiss.
Cold, rain and snow
The beginnings of the EC took place in difficult weather conditions. The temperatures were low, with rain and even snow to add to the mix. Saturday, the EC continues with the Trail (departure at 6:45 a.m.). The up&down mountain race takes place on Sunday.
Annecy (FRA). CE Off-Road. Uphill. Men (7.6 km): 1. Joe Steward (GBR) 42:37. Next: 4. Roberto Delorenzi (USC Capriaschese) 44:41. 8. Jonathan Schmid (TV Unterseen) 45:20. 9. Jonas Soldini (CA Rosé) 45:35. 11. Candide Pralong (CABV Martigny) 45:55. – By team: 2. SUI.
U20 (5.6 km): 1. Matthieu Bührer (CA Fribourg) 36:09. 2. Loïc Berger (CEP Cortaillod) 36:30. Next: 5. Fiorillo Camesi (USC Capriaschese) 38:14. 12. Lars Oeschger (BTV Aarau) 40:14. – By team: 1. SUI.
Women (7.6 km). 1. Nina Engelhard (GER) 50:08. Ferner: 6. Judith Wyder (STB) 54:03. 11. Selina Burch (LA Nidwalden) 55:17. 17. Maude Mathys (CA Riviera) 56:27. 32. Céline Aebi (LV Langenthal) 59:37. – By team: 3. SUI.
U20 (5.6 km): 1. Julia Ehrle (GER) 41:50. Ferner: 15. Aina Scherling (TV Meiringen) 48:43. 17. Ursina Brunner (LA Nidwalden) 50:09. 23. Chloé Ramuz (CABV Martigny) 51:33. – By team: 5. SUI.
Link to the European Athletics livestream
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