Sarrou leaves his rivals with no chance to win the Leogang XCC

Jordan Sarrou won the XCC World Cup in Leogang. The Frenchman always rode in the first positions, although he saved his strength to launch an uncontested attack on the last step of the long grassy uphill. Schwarzbauer again did a great job and came in second, while Blums was third.

Sarrou wins the Leogang Short Track

Alan Hatherly took advantage of his good start to move into first position and start to open a small gap when the clock was still counting down the first minute of the race. The strong pedal stroke with which the Latvian decided to push off made them finish the Start Loop in the blink of an eye, although by then any advantage had disappeared.

Schwarzbauer, as usual, was on Hatherly's wheel, while Sarrou, Schurter and Dubau were the other riders at the front.

RECOMENDADO

Top 5 gravel pedals

Garmin Edge GPS range, which one to choose?

Why is the stiffness of a frame so important?

What is heart rate variability and how does it affect the cyclist?

How does age affect performance and recovery?

Easy to apply tips for riding faster

However, it was Fluckiger who took the lead on the long grassy uphill that the riders had to face on the first part of the circuit.

We were already on the third lap of the XCC. Cartensen went to the ground while Fluckiger took the lead again after several changes of leader in the famous uphill. An assault on the lead that far from being symbolic served for the Swiss to put a little more pace and force the rest to do the same.

Despite the attempt, the others remained in his wake. Sarrou's move at the start of the fourth lap was replicated by Schwarzbauer to stay just behind the Frenchman.

The German Canyon rider took the lead shortly before the start of the downhill section leading to the finish. Penultimate lap and no one was able to form a lead group or go solo.

The seconds passed and the meters were consumed with everything still to be decided. The attack could come at any moment. A surprising Schuermans launched the lunge on the long uphill and although he could not unhook anyone, no one took the lead. Sarrou, Dubau, Schwarzbauer and Blums looked at him without giving him an answer.

Last lap and Schuermans was still leading. But when the course started to climb it was Sarrou who took a step forward, overtook the Belgian and began to open up a gap. The Frenchman showed all his strength and pedaled to the top with several meters in his pocket.

The effort paid off and the distance was enough to finish first and win the Leogang XCC. Schwarzbauer was second after another demonstration that this type of event suits him perfectly.

Blums completed the great start with a third place, while Schuermans and Hatherly came in behind.

Results XCC World Cup Leogang 2023 - Men's

1. Jordan Sarrou 21'08"
2. Luca Schwarzbauer +2"
3. Martin Blums +3"
4. Jens Schuermans +5"
5. Alan Hatherly +7"
6. Joshua Dubau +9"
7. Charlie Aldridge +11"
8. Anton Cooper +13"
9. Pierre De Froidmont +17"
10. Thomas Griot +23"