Schurter and Osl win Swiss national series opener

The Racer Bikes Cup got off to a successful start in Schaan, Liechtenstein, on Sunday with excellent conditions and large crowds. World Cup Champion Nino Schurter (Scott-Swisspower) and women's world ranked number one Lisi Osl (Ghost Factory Racing Team) took victories in the elite men's and women's races. In total the race drew 747 participants from 15 countries.

The Scott Swisspower Team, with Schurter and Florian Vogel, dictated the elite men's race from the start. Together with the German champion Moritz Milatz and the Italian Marco Aurelio Fontana (Cannondale), the Schurter and Vogel went into the second lap in the lead.

By the third of nine total laps, the two Swiss riders were alone at the front. On the last lap, the two approached the finish together, and on the second last corner, Schurter came by Vogel, who slid out.

"That was the only way, but it was not enough," said Vogel.

Schurter was wildly cheered for his victory, and he said he didn't notice what had happened to Vogel because he was so focused. "I just noticed my legs, not what was happening behind me. It was a beautiful race and gave me confidence for the remaining races."

Milatz earned third, racing for the newly formed BMC Team. Fontana took fourth. Matthias Stirnemann (Thömus Racing Team) was the top Under 23 racer, in seventh overall.

In the women's race, Osl proved unbeatable. Russian Irina Kalentieva (Topeak Ergon) was second at 20 seconds, and German Anja Gradl (Ghost Factory Racing) took third.

"I always enjoy coming here, there is a madness the mood of the crowd," said Osl.

Local hero Sarah Koba (Giant Swiss - SR Suntour), from neighboring Paper, was fourth.

"I'm just overjoyed with my debut this season," said Koba.

Swiss Champion Jolanda Neff (Wheeler iXS Swiss Team) and Andrew Frischknecht (Scott Swisspower)won the junior women's and men's races while Kevin Krieg (JB Felt Team) won the Amateur and Masters race.

Full Results