Schwarzbauer wins the XCC of Val di Sole in style

Schwarzbauer wins the XCC of Val di Sole after a killer attack on the last lap that ended with a long sprint that eventually defeated Dubau, who lost the second position. The German hammered the pedals harder than anyone else in a race in which he was always in the front positions.

Schwarzbauer signs another victory in Short Track to become more leader

The drops that appeared towards the end of the women's Short Track continued to fall on the Val di Sole circuit moments before the start of the men's race. Thus, umbrellas escorted the forty runners who took the start. Schwarzbauer, Sarrou and De Froindmont were the best placed after the first meters, while Valero lost several positions.

The German closed the first lap as leader while Schurter was already behind his wheel and Dubau was also seen by the noblest positions of the table. Moments of certain calm without alterations in the race situation: all together without forming the leading group with Schwarzbauer in front.

Change of leader with Schuermans taking the lead role for a moment, before Schurter snatched the spotlight from him just as they headed into the rocky area.

Fifth lap and everyone was looking for the gap to be well positioned in case they had to respond to possible attacks. Schwarzbauer took the lead again. Schurter, Fluckiger, Schuermans, Gaze, Dubau and company were close behind.

The riders continued to consume the kilometers, doing their homework to keep victory a possibility until the finish. Schurter moved to the front and jumped out of the saddle to ride the last few meters of the climb, though everyone was able to stay in the group.

Penultimate lap and everything was still to be decided. The speed did not cease and the commitment was maximum by all. Schurter continued to lead the lap until they crossed the finish line for the last time before the end of the race.

Schwarzbauer began to hammer the pedals and put many of those who until then formed the huge leading group in trouble. The bleeding was such that only Dubau was able to follow him, but Schwarzbauer uncovered his last cards with a long and exhausting sprint that left all those behind him with no options.

Schwarzbauer faced the final sprint and raised his arms to the clouds of Val di Sole to certify his victory in the first race of the weekend. The German maintains his lead in the overall standings.

Hatherly snatched second place from Dubau, who had to settle for third.

Results World Cup XCC Val di Sole 2023 - Men's

1. Luca Schwarzbauer 19'45"
2. Alan Hatherly +2"
3. Joshua Dubau +3"
4. Pierre De Froidmont +3"
5. Jens Schuermans +4"
6. Christopher Blevins +5"
7. Jordan Sarrou +6"
8. Mathias Fluckiger +6"
9. Samuel Gaze +7"
10. Nino Schurter +7"