Alessandra Keller gives a lesson in strength to win the XCC in Nove Mesto

Alessandra Keller takes the victory in the Nove Mesto XCC World Cup. The Swiss rider was one of the protagonists of the race and escaped solo with a devastating attack in the penultimate lap. Ferrand-Prevot came close to snatching the victory on the finish straight, although in the end she had to settle for second place.

Keller wins the first assault of the weekend in Nove Mesto

The forty riders called to the start line appeared with strict punctuality and the Nove Mesto temple gave the starting signal to the third World Cup of the season. The return of Puck Pieterse, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, and Mona Mitterwallner captured attention in the preview, despite the fact that the three started a bit behind on the grid. The riders completed the first meters without problems and in a display of their usual determination, Chiara Teocchi took the lead of the day.

Teocchi closed the first lap in the lead ahead of Rissveds, Keller, Neff, Tauber, Urban, and company. The forty participants formed a compact peloton pedaling in unison with Rissveds deciding to take the lead in the second lap.

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Keller was the next to take the lead. The Swiss rider led the race with a measured pace that kept the group cohesive; a kind of tacit truce that, however, increased the risk of entanglements and touches. The millimeter precision with which they had to ride was thrown out the window when Pieterse fell after touching one of the many handlebars in the lead group.

The Dutch rider quickly recovered from the fall, was able to rejoin at the back, and, thanks to the apparently calm pace, was able to catch up with her rivals. Rissveds embodied the other side of the coin when she fell, although unfortunately the incident was more serious and ended her chances.

Keller increased the pace although the move was replicated by all. Ferrand-Prevot briefly showed herself, although she quickly sought the shelter of other riders who did expose themselves in the front positions. Pieterse showed her determination and took the lead in a display of personality and strength.

However, it was Keller who did damage with a brutal increase in speed that gave her a cushion of about 5 seconds. The other riders sought unsuccessfully for a response, although the Swiss rider launched the attack so early that doubts arose about whether she would be able to maintain the pace until the finish line. Batten started the chase followed by Ferrand-Prevot, who overtook her and went all out for the first place.

Keller sustained the attack in a monumental effort to withstand Ferrand-Prevot's onslaught and crossed the line first to secure victory in the Nove Mesto Short Track World Cup.

Nove Mesto XCC World Cup Results - Women

1. Alessandra Keller 19'06"
2. Pauline Ferrand-Prevot +1"
3. Haley Batten +1"
4. Laura Stigger +6"
5. Puck Pieterse +7"
6. Linda Indergand +8"
7. Candice Lill +8"
8. Nicole Koller +9"
9. Anne Tauber +9"
10. Lia Schrievers +11"